Posted on 05/11/2006 10:27:58 AM PDT by jamese777
U.S. Senate leaders clear path for immigration bill
Thu May 11, 2006 12:32 PM ET
WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic Senate leaders agreed on Thursday on a plan to revive a bill that would give millions of illegal immigrants a chance to earn U.S. citizenship.
The sweeping immigration overhaul, which has triggered rallies by millions of immigrants and their supporters across the country, is expected to be considered by the Senate next week.
Despite the agreement between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, the outcome of the legislation remains in doubt. It faces opposition from some Republicans who say it gives amnesty to people who broke U.S. laws.
Frist said opponents now will be allowed to offer "a considerable number of amendments" to the bill. In return, Democrats won an assurance that the bill's backers will have a input in eventual negotiations with the U.S. House of Representatives.
The House passed a tough border security bill that would further criminalize illegal presence in the United States and the two bills will have to be merged.
The House bill, which would make illegal presence a felony instead of a civil offense, has drawn huge protests around the country from Hispanic groups and their supporters.
Frist said he wants the Senate to finish work on the bill by the end of the month when Congress takes a week-long break for the Memorial Day holiday.
The legislation stalled just before Congress' Easter break last month when Democrats, worried that Republican opponents would try to gut the bill, blocked consideration of amendments and sought to limit their number. Even though some of those amendments now will go forward, backers feel they have the votes to defeat them.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who has been pushing for the bipartisan immigration overhaul, said he was optimistic the Senate would pass the bill, which also includes a guest worker program backed by President George W. Bush.
"Today's agreement is a major step forward in our fight for tough but fair immigration reform," Kennedy said.
The Senate bill includes border security and enforcement measures, but also addresses the estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Millions would be given a chance to earn citizenship. The bill also includes a temporary worker program backed by President George W. Bush.
Immigrants and illegal aliens. Not the same thing. Not the same thing at all.
susie
I called twice today....and I will start all over in the morning. I cannot stand by and do nothing.
What about the Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans
We already take them, don't we?
I love my country. I also understand that my country has always opened its arms to immigrants, whether you like it or not.
We are discussing ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS whether you like it or not. And America has not always opened its arms to illegal immigrants, that is why we have immigration laws. SHEESH.
This country has never opened it's arms to illegals or criminals and everyone of them is a criminal.
"My point is Mexicans have proved themselves to be loyal Americans."
Yes, by all learning English. Oh wait, that didn't happen.
First, I have not flamed you. Second, I grew up in the southwest, and now live in S. FL. And, it is easy to presume you knew nothing about the subject, since you kept asking people, and then in fact said you didn't know. I am not psychic, I cannot read your mind. I can only respond to what you post.
susie
Susie, you can't have it both ways. Either you agree they want to become good citizens and are willing to risk their lives to do so, or they hate America and have no intention of becoming good citizens.
Amnesty = not illegal any more.
They are only criminals until the amnesty law is passed.
All Mexicans?
susie
Most try very hard to learn English. Have you learned Spanish? It may be a good idea to get started.
I don't know why Haitians are turned away and Cubans allowed to stay. If you know, please clue me in.
Amnesty = not illegal any more.
So you admit they are illegal and we do have immigration laws?
I would never say "all" about any group, would you?
Of course they are illegal (for now) and we have immigration laws that aren't enforced.
Oh, I get it. The GOP leadership is long gold and they are betting against themselves. Makes sense now.
Well, unlike you, I won't presume to be able to make a blanket statement about an entire group of people based on their ethnicity.
susie
Of course they are illegal (for now) and we have immigration laws that aren't enforced.
and whose fault is that?
Please cite proof of this. susie
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