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Home  News Immigration Reform *** SENATORS SEAL IMMIGRATION DEAL ***
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*** SENATORS SEAL IMMIGRATION DEAL *** |
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By Donna Smith
Senate leaders announced a breakthrough on Thursday on a long-sought overhaul of immigration law, clearing the way for possible approval of a bill that would give millions of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada told reporters some details had to be worked out, but that they expected the Senate to pass a comprehensive reform package before lawmakers leave for a two-week break, scheduled to begin this weekend.
"We've had a huge breakthrough ... that will lead us to the conclusion of passing a very important bill," Frist said at a news conference with Reid and about a dozen other Republicans and Democrats.
The deal centers on a compromise offered by Republicans that included a temporary worker program backed by President George W. Bush. It also would allow illegal immigrants who have been in the United States more than five years a chance to become citizens if they meet a series of requirements and pay a fine.
Bush, who has been pushing for comprehensive changes, said he was encouraged by the breakthrough and urged quick passage of the legislation that has sparked protests and anger.
"I recognize there are still details to be worked out," Bush said as he prepared to return to Washington after a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. "I would encourage the members to work hard to get a bill done prior to the upcoming break."
The measure still faced opposition from some Republicans who said the bill would give amnesty to people who broke the law.
"We still have some obstacles," said Senate Judiciary Committee Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican.
REPUBLICAN OPPONENTS
Five Senate Republicans -- Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Jon Kyl of Arizona and Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, both of Georgia -- announced their opposition.
They said, however, that they do not know if they could muster the needed 41 votes in the 100-member Senate to stop the bill with a procedural roadblock.
The Senate compromise would also allow illegal immigrants who had been in the United States less than five years but more than two years to apply for a work visa. But they would have to travel to a U.S. port of entry and step outside the country to get it.
Any Senate bill would have to be merged with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that focuses only on border security and enforcement of immigration laws. That bill would make it a crime, instead of a civil offense, to be in the country illegally and calls for construction of a fence along parts of the U.S. border with Mexico.
That bill angered Hispanics and their supporters and sparked protests around the country. Nationwide demonstrations also were planned for Monday.
Reid said lawmakers where happy to get a deal that will help millions of people who are living and working in the United States, many in low-paying, hard jobs.
"Even though we all feel good about today, it pales in comparison to the millions and millions of people out there who today feel that they have a chance to participate in the American dream," Reid said.
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