Many immigrant rights advocates have expressed concern over the Senate bill. Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra of California said the proposal would create a permanent underclass of immigrant workers. He also criticized the bill because it marks a major departure from the country’s historic policy of giving preference to family members of immigrants already living in the U.S. Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey criticized the plan for the “prohibitive” fees that immigrants must pay to gain legal status. Several Republicans condemned the bill, saying it gives amnesty to undocumented immigrants.