Could Sen. Specter (R-PA) be considering offering another legalization plan--one not allowing the legalized to get citizenship? The Politico reports (H/T Kathryn Jean Lopez):

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said he's floating a plan that would grant legal status to the nation's 12 million illegal immigrants, but offer no path to citizenship.

"It might be the equivalent of a green card," Specter said Thursday. "The main thrust is to bring the 12 million out of the shadows," and eliminate the fear of arrest or deportation.

Specter said he's met with Pres. Bush and other Senators. "Grand bargainer" Lindsey Graham's skeptical, but Sen. Kennedy's looking over the proposal.

UPDATE: The Hill has more. Specter says he's ready to go:

Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.), who accompanied President Bush Thursday on his visit to Pennsylvania, said he has spoken to Bush and the two Cabinet members who have led immigration talks about his new bill. Specter also told reporters that he has spoken to most senators involved in this spring’s failed “grand bargain,” outlining his plan and appealing for a restart to the arduous immigration debate.

“I’m ready to unveil it now,” Specter said. “I’ve got letters to the 100 senators on my desk.”

UPDATE: Specter sounds almost confident about his new proposal:

"I think we can act this year. I think this bill is very close to doable."

How close?