The Senate Judiciary Committee approved sweeping election-year legislation on Monday clearing the way for 11 million illegal aliens waiting for U.S. citizenship. It is a victory for demonstrators who had run into the streets in hundreds and thousands demanding better treatment for them.

11 million immigrants, who are living in the United States illegally, shall be benefited.

With a bipartisan coalition in control, the committee also voted down proposed criminal penalties on immigrants found to be in the country illegally. It approved a new temporary program allowing entry for 1.5 million workers seeking jobs in the agriculture industry, as per report from AP.

"All Americans wanted fairness and they got it this evening," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who played a pivotal role in drafting the legislation.

There was no immediate reaction from the White House, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. said he hoped that President Bush would participate in efforts to fashion consensus legislation. "The only thing that's off the table is inaction," said Graham, who voted for the committee bill.

The 12-6 vote broke down along unusual lines, with a majority of the panel's Republicans opposed to the measure even though their party controls the Senate the AP report adds.