MORE ON THIS STORY illegalaliens.us americanpatrol.com Federation for American Immigration Reform

A number of activist groups have started Internet campaigns in light of the congressional hearings.

The measure would clear the way for millions of undocumented workers to seek U.S. citizenship without having to first leave the country.

The committee also voted to strip out proposed criminal penalties for residents found to be in this country illegally. Those sanctions are favored in the House.

The 12-6 vote comes after days of street demonstrations from Los Angeles to Washington, some of them massive.

Committee Chairman Arlen Specter voted for the bill but signaled that some of the provisions could well be changed by the full Senate when debate begins Tuesday.