Free Republic

Houston police would have to start enforcing federal immigration laws or potentially lose millions in crime-fighting money under a local lawmaker's measure that passed the House today. An appropriations bill that cleared the House contains an amendment by Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, that would cut off federal law enforcement funds to cities that have what Culberson characterizes as "sanctuary policies" for illegal immigrants. The measure will not become law unless it clears the Senate and is signed by President Bush. Houston — which announced an $18 million federal crime-fighting grant about the time the bill passed the House — meets...

Key backers of the Senate immigration bill said yesterday they are willing to consider a compromise that would delay the guest-worker program and "amnesty" portions until the borders have been secured. The proposal was floated by Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter in an interview Monday with editors and reporters at The Washington Times. "I think it's worth discussing," said Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican. "Many of us have said we could work on border enforcement and, at the same time, work on other aspects that would take more time." Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, said a delay will occur...