PLP Senator Terry Lister told the Senate their first duty was to act in the best interest of Bermudians.

"Our job is to preserve Bermuda for our children and grandchildren,'' he said. "The question is how do we do that.'' After noting that most of those on work permits were white, Sen. Lister suggested that Bermuda's immigration policy be reflective of the racial composition of the Island.

"Some say that immigration was being used to whiten Bermuda,'' he said.

"People coming into Bermuda should be reflective of what is in Bermuda.'' He said that his suggestion would help to reduce and diffuse the issue of race in Bermuda.

And he threw his support behind the idea of distributing green cards.

"It will give comfort to people,'' he said. "They could stay and watch their kids grow up and continue to work in Bermuda.'' Opposition Senate Leader, Milton Scott , also backed the idea of Bermuda offering a green card to give foreigners security.

And he backed Sen. Lister's stance that in the past the immigration policy favoured whites.

He also reminded Senators that many Bermudians felt that foreigners were displacing Bermudians and he urged them to protect Bermudians' rights.

But Independent Senator, Jeanette Cannonier , said Bermuda had a moral responsibility to rectify the situation it had created with the long term residents.

Sen. Cannonier also expressed concerns that all long-term residents, regardless of their situation, were "lumped together''.

She expressed sympathy for children who were brought to the Island by their parents and those who had given many years of service to Bermuda.

But she said she had a "problem'' with individuals who have stayed on the Island as a result of having advertisements tailor made for them so that no one else could fill their position.

"Each case should be looked at on it's own merit,'' she said.

Meanwhile Government Senate leader, E.T. Bob Richards , threw cold water on the idea of offering an amnesty.

"It's a deferral or putting off of a decision,'' he said. "We should shy away from an amnesty. We should make a decision.'' The Senate leader said that from a "practical standpoint'' the only sensible solution was a green card scheme.

"It would be a Pandora's box if you make a policy based on each person's situation.'' Senate Leader Olf Oughton also threw his support behind the green card "solution'' but he warned that legislatures would be forced to take a "hard look'' at some of Bermuda's immigration policies.