"Tough" but "fair" is how a bipartisan group of senators is describing their framework for comprehensive immigration reform.

The plan boosts border security, requires employers to verify the legal status of workers, and ties legal immigration allowances to the U.S. economy.

The proposal also includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

The group wants to pass an immigration bill by summer. Proponents of comprehensive reform say it's long overdue.

"The vast majority of Americans believe that we need to have a legal immigration system that works, and they recognize that what we have now is not a 21st century legal immigration system," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said.

"It is quite within reach for us to reach a consensus in this country that can do justice for millions of people but equally important can make our economy and our democracy be what it really should be," Hector Figuero, immigration advocate, said.

On Tuesday President Obama will travel to Las Vegas to drum up public support for immigration reform.