With over 10 million illegal workers in the US it could be the first step for many, including those in the Tennessee Valley to come out of the shadows.
What's decided on Capitol Hill in the coming weeks and months affects many in the Chattanooga area, One local restaurant owner says he must stick to the rules and respect current immigration law, although at times if it can be difficult.
"Unfortunately we have to eliminate the ones that are not legal and are not going to have that opportunity, not give them the chance we would like to give them".
Immigration attorney Wesley Kliner says the potential changes which would see fast tracking of applications for those already in the US, could benefit the Tennessee Valley as well as those interested in staying here.
"I have many clients who have gotten PHDs, degrees, advanced medical degrees, who would love to be able to stay in the US but because they came in under student visas, they have a requirement to go back to their country for 2 years, they're prohibited."
