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.
U.S. citizens should withold some or all of their tax payments to the federal government. If 20 million citizens refused to pay their taxes it would get the attention of our representatives faster even than rioting in the streets. The logic is inescapable that citizens have more right to scoff at U.S. laws than non-citizens.
We would be keeping more of our own money to improve the economic well-being of our families.
The only harm would be to shift the burden to those suckers that continue to pay their taxes.
There would be too many of us to prosecute.
We could threaten to not vote for any political party that threatened to prosecute us.
We could demand amnesty every few years.
We could threaten not to pay our State and local taxes if local authorities cooperate with the federal government.
This doesn’t address national security, but it’s a good start.
Its time for conservatives to leave the Republican party. Call the headquarters, and let them know they are toast!
Its time for the new party. We need to organize now. Perhaps just call it the Conservative party?
Another thing, previous immigrant groups didn’t have special interest groups telling them there was no reason to assimilate like now. La Raza is telling these people that parts of this country rightfully belong to them. It BS!!!!!!!
Sorry about that. I saw your comment earlier.
Let me Ping the Med Mod to the thread. :-)
Is there a list out showing the votes yet?
Illegal aliens are invading our country. The worst things to do is to surrender and whimper, "We should not do anything because there are too many."
Is there a list out showing the votes yet?
BEARS REPEATING!
Every Conservative needs to turn in their Republican membership. We need to start a Conservative party. The Republicans are now the old Democrats officially. I want out. They will never see a dollar of mine again.
Sorry for the double-post. :-/
As I understand it, the Latinos tend to gravitate to the Democrat Party by a 2:1 margin, IIRC. Say adios to Republican rule.
I agree with you. Our elected conservative leadership has abandoned us in the middle of the biggest issue we face. I think it is time we start fresh. I will never vote republican until we have new leadership.
A BumP IS a Bump! :)
Yep, I think so. I never thought I'd even consider such a thing, but in the spirit of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade", I intend to make the best of it. Specifically, I'm gonna be a warlord!
Wasn't that the intent of the '86 amnesty? And what makes you think this will be enforced any better than the last one?
Where is will pass because we no longer controll the House
Have we learned our lesson yet?
This GREAT forum was started by Jim Robinson to allow like minded Americans and allies to speak and discuss and unite (if need be) against those who wish to invade or dismantle our Free Republic!
There is nothing wrong with passion...
....Passion enhanced by wisdom and fueled by patriotism is not wrong!
Go to the below link to read "why" these immigrants wont be voting Republican in any significant way - ever. It is a good read, written by legal immigrant.
www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1834958/posts
It is time for all tax paying CITIZENS to take a week of ‘sick days’. That may send the message the political whores in DC are not hearing. Why work hard? Why pay taxes? Heck send us ALL a check. If that is what the dems want, sign us ALL up and we will sit home too.
I just called the RNC and told them if Jorge signs this bill, my 30 years of being and voting Republican is finished.
This is the end of my tolerance.
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