Posted on 05/17/2007 10:16:31 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of senators reached agreement with the White House Thursday on an immigration overhaul to grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border against new ones.
One of the key negotiators, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said he expects President Bush to endorse it.
The deal came after weeks of painstaking closed-door negotiations that brought the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans together with Bush's Cabinet officers to produce a highly complex measure that carries heavy political consequences.
It set the stage for what promises to be a bruising battle next week in the Senate on one of Bush's top non-war priorities.
This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic senators huddled Thursday trying to close in on an immigration compromise to grant quick legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants while fortifying U.S. borders against new ones.
A group of lawmakers that has been haggling over the terms of agreement for weeks were reviewing language negotiated Wednesday night in efforts to nail down a deal. Among the final sticking points was a stubborn dispute over how much family ties count toward green cards under a new "point system." The plan prioritizes advanced skills and education levels for future immigrants.
Two of the lead negotiators, Sens. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and Lindsey Graham (news, bio, voting record), R-S.C., booked time for Thursday afternoon in the Senate's radio-TV gallery for an announcement.
But Kennedy said some were hanging back as an agreement inched closer.
"There are just some people who don't want to close on this. There comes a time in every negotiation where people have to close," Kennedy said. "Today is it."
Kennedy said Thursday was likely the last chance for a compromise before senators scattered for a three-day weekend.
"The immigration reform legislation has come to a boiling point," Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said just before going into Thursday's meeting. "We've tried to come to a consensus and I think we are very, very close, but every time we grasp it, it eludes a final resolution."
If no deal emerged, Senate Democrats were to vote Monday evening to bring up an immigration measure that passed last year over the objections of most Republicans, who have said they will block it. That would be a highly partisan start to the immigration debate, which divides the two parties and exposes fissures within their ranks.
Even with a bipartisan agreement, the immigration debate could easily devolve into a free-for-all in the unruly Senate.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record), D-Nev., has said he wants to complete a bill before Memorial Day, and President Bush says he wants to sign one by summer's end.
Thank you for pointing out the enemy.
Do you recall in recent months, GHWB, GWB, and Jeb all praising the Clintons and saying how much they like and admire them? They aren’t even disguising their position.
[I]We have to keep after the House. Nancy is just one vote. I saw a list on how they voted, but now cannot find it.[/I]
It was the wrong vote.
That's a pretty sick image considering who he chooses as his company, the toon, Fat Ted the Swimmer, snarlin arlen etc....blech. Blackbird.
At least Benedict Arnold was once a hero before he was a traitor.
Dubya and his OBL comrades in Congress skipped the hero part.
Boxer and Feinstein have a lock on the collective mentality of the CA populace, and it may not be much mentality, but it is nevertheless a lock.
This is hard to believe. When the republicans had the majority in Congress, they sit on this problem and when the demos get it, they push this garbage. This is bad on so many levels.
If they are criminals and they pay $5,000 fines, they should not be able to vote. Voting privileges for native born citizens are suspended if we commit a felony, why not them?
If ever we needed a filibuster, it's now.
"Though no one wants to reward illegal behavior, we must find a way for these workers to come forward, make good on the past and participate in a program that leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship."
http://www.meatami.com/1CQImmigrationAd030206.pdf
The Rogues Gallery Of Signatories To The Above Statement:
I just don’t understand how Bush and the Republicans in power can NOT see that this is DEATH to the Republican party.
The illegals will NEVER NEVER NEVER support Republicans because the Dems will always promise them more.
And guess who will pay for it all !!! Better to cash in all those 401 K accounts NOW because the Dems are setting their sights on them as we speak. Just wait.
I've mine's "promises" to oppose such amnesty in letter form and intend they uphold their word or I'll have no choice but publish those letters. Nothing hurts one worse than to be exposed as a liar, in writing.
In fact, I think I'll fax their letters back to their respective offices - just to remind them.
No, Coleman is a Republican, in fact held a position at the Republican National Convention. Can’t recall if it was chairman or not.
He didn’t get suckered! He’s been for this all along.
I know. I will call my reps ... Wait, umm, my senator is kennedy and my rep is barney frank ... think I’ll go cut the grass instead. watching it grow back is a better use of time.
I agree with that 100% This can be stopped!
Oh I know how frustrating this all is, but Hunter has stopped many bills with more support than this one has. He is the leader on border fencing and security. We should bombard HIM with pleas to stop this, although I am sure the pleas will not be needed. He will see to it everything humanly possible is done to prevent this bill from passing.
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