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.
My heart goes out to you all. I knew America will legalize illegals. It can’t be stopped.
I hope Graham gets a brain aneurism.
From now on, FR will be controlled by the "Hate Bush Crowd" and the mods cannot stop it. As I told you before, you and me are now a minority, and do not be surprised if we got banned from this forum for opposing the "Bush Haters".
I agree. There is righteous anger by those of us who cherish Liberty, respect the rule of law, and want to see this Republic preserved. For the life of me, how anyone can say this amnesty is "good for America", then come back in 10 years and tell me how you feel. We are angry because our Republic has been mortally betrayed.
Don’t forget “regularization,” mi amigo.
Whatever...
I tried to call my senator. Its busy. Its been busy for 46 minutes. I think all hell has broken loose and they have all fled to the country club for a quiet round of golf with their illegal alien caddies.
Saw it on the C-span briefing... around 2pm I think.
Oh, yes. The republican agrees and goes along with the democrat, and when it goes sour, the democrats use it to bash him. What is wrong with Bush? He's already hated by democrats, now he wants to be hated by republicans too? Just who is this bill supposed to gain the support of?
I just saw McCain on TV. He emphasized how important it is to get this legislation passed quickly.
They should change the graphic to a family walking slowly!
“What is wrong with Bush?”
He thinks he’s doing the right thing — that is the problem.
It makes even more sense to step away from the crack pipe.
OTM (other than Mexican) apprehensions
Figure 1 shows the overall number of OTMs apprehended by the Border Patrol over the past nine years. The number of OTM apprehensions remained relatively stable from 1998 to 2002, averaging almost 37,000 a year over the six-year time period.
Apprehensions increased by 33% from FY2002 to FY2003, and 52% from FY2003 to FY2004.
Roughly three-quarters of the way into FY2005, OTM apprehensions have increased by 58% from FY2004.
Indeed, over the last three years OTM apprehensions have more than tripled, increasing by almost 220%.
This trend is in stark contrast to apprehensions of Mexican aliens, which have remained relatively stable over the same period.
We have to stop this
As in, on a Saturday at 2 a.m.?
Really! Tell us, RogerD - what’s your solution?
I think you've just summarized our wonderful two-party system very nicely.
Right. Do it quick before the political tsunami they have created crests. Argh...
Really! Tell us, RogerD - what’s your solution? Kill ‘em all? Let them become Democrats?
Reality bites. They’re here. They’re not leaving. Make them Republicans.
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