Posted on 04/06/2006 8:33:43 AM PDT by STARWISE
WASHINGTON - In a last stab at compromise, Senate Republicans and Democrats reported progress Thursday toward agreement on legislation opening the way to legal status and eventual citizenship for many of the 11 million immigrants now in the U.S. illegally.
"There's been tremendous progress overnight," said Sen. Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record) of Nevada, the Democratic leader, while Majority Leader Bill Frist also expressed optimism that a long-sought compromise might be at hand.
There was no immediate reaction from President Bush, who has made immigration legislation a key priority.
The developments occurred after Frist unveiled a new bill late Wednesday night on the subject as the Senate headed into a test vote on the most sweeping immigration bill in two decades.
In general, the legislation would provide for enhanced border security, regulate the flow of future immigrants into the United States and settle the legal fate of the estimated 11 million men, women and children already in the country.
It was the fate of the illegal immigrant population that proved hardest to legislate, and it has left the Senate on the verge of gridlock for days.
(snip)
Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., as well as other key senators met before the vote to review terms of a proposed compromise.
In general, it would require illegal immigrants who have been in the United States between two years and five years to return to their home country briefly, then re-enter as temporary workers. They could then begin a process of seeking citizenship.
Illegal immigrants here longer than five years would not be required to return home; those in the country less than two years would be required to leave without assurances of returning, and take their place in line with others seeking entry papers.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Both McCain and Kennedy are on board.
This doesn't sound so bad so far. I just hope that the amendment to refuse citizenship to those who have committed felonies passes.
Why do I feel as if we've just been sold down the river? Again.
BOHICA!
Total BS. Amnesty!!!!
The president will make an announcement at 12:30 supportive of the bill.
President Bush will make an announcement at 12:30PM to support the Senate bill.
How does it not sound so bad???
What does BOHICA mean?
People here for less than 2 years have to leave. That's a good first step.
Bend Over, Here I Comes Again
Bend over, here it comes again....
Thanks for the info, Peach. I'll keep my powder dry and hope for a pleasant surprise.
Sell out. 1986 repeats itself.
If THEY all agree there is a real devil hidden in the details.
Because you have been sold down the river again? America 2006.
But can't they come right back? I may have missed something.
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