Immigration Deal Survives GOP Threat

Senate Turns Back Republican Proposal To Bar Felons From Legalization

(AP)  A bipartisan immigration bill narrowly survived a potentially fatal challenge on Wednesday when the Senate turned back a Republican bid to limit the illegal immigrants who could gain lawful status.

The close vote on a proposal by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to bar felons — including those court-ordered to be deported — from legalization reflected the delicate position of the contentious immigration bill, which remains under threat from the right and the left.

The vote was 51-46 against the amendment. Democrats succeeded in sucking support from Cornyn's proposal by winning adoption of a rival version that would bar a more limited set of criminals, including certain gang members and sex offenders, from gaining legalization. The Senate backed that amendment, 66-32.

Cornyn had painted his effort as a "defining issue" for any presidential candidate — a sign of the degree to which the contentious debate is bleeding over into the GOP campaign fray.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., alone among his party's presidential aspirants in backing the immigration measure, opposed Cornyn's bid and backed the Democratic alternative offered by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.

McCain was joined in opposing the amendment by the Senate's four Democratic presidential hopefuls, Sens. Joseph Biden of Delaware, Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, and Barack Obama of Illinois.

After his defeat, Cornyn said those who voted against the proposal "failed to take an opportunity to help restore public confidence that we're actually serious about passing an immigration law that could actually work." Many Americans will conclude instead that the bill's enforcement provisions will not be rigorously enforced, a problem that deeply undermined a 1986 immigration overhaul, he added.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called Cornyn's measure "a stealth, Trojan horse amendment to kill the bill."

The underlying bill would legalize an estimated 12 million unlawful immigrants, tighten border security and institute new enforcement measures to prevent employers from hiring illegal workers. Its proponents were laboring to push through the compromise under new time constraints imposed by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who plans to force a test-vote as early as Thursday morning to end debate on it and move on to other matters.

Senators in both parties implored Reid not to yank the measure, as he has threatened to do if the test vote fails.

"I think it's safe to say that the United States Senate would be the laughingstock of the country if — after all of the hyperbole and all of the publicity and all of the proposals and objections — we're not able to finish this bill," said Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., a framer.

Reid, who has charged that some Republicans are trying to stall or kill the measure, began the day with a plea for swift progress on immigration. He resorted to quoting a passage from Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat" to describe the depth of the dilemma the issue poses for lawmakers: "This mess is so big and so deep and so tall, we cannot pick it up at all," the Democratic leader rhymed, adding, "Some would say that is what we have in the Senate today."

Still, lawmakers in both parties said they were making headway in fighting off damaging amendments and moving the measure closer to passage.

"We have made very important and significant progress," Kennedy said.

More votes were expected Wednesday on key proposed changes, including a Democratic effort to alter the controversial new temporary guest worker program created by the bill. Sen. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico was seeking to allow workers to come for six consecutive years. The bill requires most guest workers to go home for a year between each of three two-year stints.

Republicans were seeking to change the "Z visa" program whereby illegal immigrants could gain lawful status. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., proposed requiring them to buy high-deductible health plans to be eligible for visas, while Cornyn would allow the information illegal immigrants provided in their visa applications to be used in removal proceedings should their application be denied.

Still looming were several Democratic attempts to add family preferences to the measure.

[randalds]

At first I supported this bill and if it passes I suppose it's better then nothing at all, but it's ridiculous fine and having to return to the persons home country make it pretty much a joke. No one is going to pay the fine or go back to their home country, so it's pretty much a waste of time. Make the undocumented workers here learn conversational level English, pass a criminal background check and wait 5 years on a visa here before swearing them in. Drop the fine and drop the return clause. Oh and go ahead and call it an amnesty, because that's what it is and I'm getting sick of opponents saying the word like there's something wrong with it. I support an amnesty and have no problem saying so.

[peter776-2009]

Vote all these scoundrels out of office! They do not listen to their own constituents on this issue, who overwhelmingly favor NO AMNESTY -- liberal and conservative alike. What in the world has gone so wrong with our government that it cannot even act to protect its own borders and clamp down on ILLEGAL aliens, let alone that our governemtn would even CONSIDER granting illegal aliens AMNESTY? Our government is broken, and has been co-opted by the wealthy and special interests. Your vote means nothing. There is no democracy. Our government exists merely to line the pockets of the rich and those corrupt enough to do whatever it takes to be elected. I am totally disgusted by Congress. It looks like Bush has managed to hoodwink everyone once again, just like with Weaponsof Mass Destruction, and like Congress has totally failed to perform its oversight function. Good on ya, Congress! Thanks for selling Ameroica down the river!

[tylenol6]

The senate would be the laughing stock of the
country if we're not able to finish this bill.


When the majority of Americans are against this
immigration bill, and the senate is voting for this
immigration bill, the SENATE IS A LAUGHING STOCK TO
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. Don't use your propaganda on
the american people. The senate is just continuing
to sell out America. Hopefully, all who is up for
re-election won't have jobs.

[consciousnes]

Quit making new unusable laws and enforce the ones that are on the books.
How stupid do these law makers have to be to get the jobs they have? Oh, sorry, I forgot about the money involved and all the side benefits, both during and after their terms.

[lawandorder6]

felons just what we need more of. What is wrong with these people. Who puts tham in office. D-M IDIOTS. immigration, to H_LL with it. Keep tham all out.

[rushlimpdrug]

can they write the bill in Spanish?

[redwilma]

I think the majority of Americans DO support the bill - although none of us are 100% happy with it. Personally, I'd like to see the the illegals get amnesty if they pass a criminal background check, and maybe meet a few other criteria. Once legal, so many of the complaints (e.g., taking our jobs, no insurance, welfare) will start to disappear as the people start being paid legally instead of short-changed under the table.

I would also suggest that we change the immigration laws so they make sense because right now it is pretty much impossible for Mexicans (who make up about 90% of our illegal alien population) to come to the US and work legally. That's why they don't wait their turn in the "legal line". They will never have a turn; there is no line.

I would also suggest that we think about what kind of pressure we can put on Mexico to help their citizens and economy. (The MX government is so corrupt.)

I also have to say that I think having a border fence is absolutely ridiculous. Positively medieval. I hate the thought of it. Also, really - what good would it do without 24 hour guards? I don't think a border fence between us and Mexico has a *** thing to do with national security. (If it did, someone would be talking about checking the ports or building a fence across the Canadian border.)

[infidel_us]

That was just the "shot heard round the world." Now comes the war! The American people will once again triumph over tyranny - Washington, DC tyranny.

Aggressive deportation. Immediate investment in aggressive effort to deport the 12 million illegal immigrants currently within our borders %u2013 if you%u2019re caught, you are sent back.

No benefits. Erect a wall of separation between illegal aliens (and their children) and tax-dollar paid benefits reserved for U.S. citizens and legal aliens.

I support H.R. 418 that prohibits illegal aliens from being issued drivers licenses and prevents terrorists from abusing the asylum laws of the United States.

No work. Stricter punishment of U.S. businesses that knowingly employ illegal aliens. Establish national database of legal immigrants to assist both public and private sectors in this effort.

English first. Legislation that establishes English as the required and preeminent language throughout the United States. Public and private sectors cannot be required to provide services in alternative languages.

No Birthright Citizenship. Illegals flood to the U.S. simply to have babies%u2014which are then granted citizenship. Changing the current law is certain to curtail the illegal traffic.

[rohink-2009]

At first I supported this bill and if it passes I suppose it's better then nothing at all, but it's ridiculous fine and having to return to the persons home country make it pretty much a joke. No one is going to pay the fine or go back to their home country, so it's pretty much a waste of time. Make the undocumented workers here learn conversational level English, pass a criminal background check and wait 5 years on a visa here before swearing them in. Drop the fine and drop the return clause. Oh and go ahead and call it an amnesty, because that's what it is and I'm getting sick of opponents saying the word like there's something wrong with it. I support an amnesty and have no problem saying so.
Posted by RandalDS at 04:07 PM : Jun 06, 2007
+ report abuse

The truth is, the moment that bill is signed, all Illegal immigrants will be LEGAL! They will only have to pay a fine if they want to go forward with citizenship. This Bill is a joke. This is serious.

[randalds]

The truth is, the moment that bill is signed, all Illegal immigrants will be LEGAL! They will only have to pay a fine if they want to go forward with citizenship. This Bill is a joke. This is serious.
Posted by rohink at 04:31 PM : Jun 06, 2007

No, they'll be on a path to being legal, but I don't think they should have to even pay a fine or go back to their home country. they're not going to do it anyway and the only reason those were put in there is so some supporters could say it's not an amnesty. I would support it if it really was an amnesty.

[rohink-2009]

Does that mean we all are free to break the law. Let's see how long we will last if we decide not to pay taxes anymore. How sad that this is something that 3 out of 4 Americans are oppossed to as are 70% of Legal Immigrants is going to be shoved down our throats. I haven't talked to anyone Democrat or Republican that is for this bill that has taken anytime to read any of it. If you know what is in the bill, you can't be for it.

[toldyouso21]

"give us your poor, your tired, your CRIMINALS" Americans can't wait to experience the 3rd world lifestyle first hand. Signed the US Senate, George Bush and the Dems in Congress.

[lestb35]

Whoa. I'm speechless. Arlen Spector is more concerned with being a laughting stock than with doing a good job and coming up with a good bill. That right there is what's wrong with Congress. They are wimps and pathetic leaders. This is outrageous. Well we know one thing McCain is no longer in the top tier.

[rohink-2009]

Posted by RandalDS

I'm sorry, but you are wrong.

[lestb35]

Tax REvolt. TAx REvolt. Tax Revolt. Tax Revolt.

If we get 20 million to stop paying taxes then they'll have to grant us amnesty because there's too many of us to prosecute.

[rohink-2009]

Let's not have any rules or laws then, because people won't obey them. Give me a break Randall. There has to be some kind of standard. For God's sake, look at France, they have such a problem with illegal immigrants that the people voted someone into office to address that very issue.

[randalds]

Posted by redwilma at 04:28 PM : Jun 06, 2007

Couldn't agree more. The problem is not, however, that they are here illegally (as many here claim), because if that really was the problem then they'd support a real path to legalization. The problem is that most of them are brown. Must be, because if it wasn't then why not support a comprehensive immigration bill? Oh sure you'll hear all of the usual BS that they don't pay taxes (they do) that they should serve in the military (many do) or that they're mostly criminals (except for the minor misdemeanor of how that got here, they're not). But the truth is that most people just plain want to get rid of them because they are Hispanics. None of their other arguments hold water, not a single one of them, so why don't they just come out and admit they don't want brown people here?

[lestb35]

They don't have to pay the fine or go back to their home country unless they want to be citizens. The rest are legal residents and can stay indefinately. What do you know, Freedom is Free, we were lied to all these years.

[klingon69]

I think the majority of Americans DO support the bill - although none of us are 100% happy with it.
Not from where I sit. Few if any I have talked with support this POS.

Personally, I'd like to see the the illegals get amnesty if they pass a criminal background check, and maybe meet a few other criteria.
However, since we have little if any DNA, Fingerprint,dental records...on these illegals, how will a background check help? They lie or cheat the system to get a job, like using someone elses SS# and id. How can we be sure that we are not approving a Jeffrey Dalmer, just because all his papers say he's Mr. Rogers?

Once legal, so many of the complaints (e.g., taking our jobs, no insurance, welfare) will start to disappear as the people start being paid legally instead of short-changed under the table.
Like many theories, this looks ok on paper, except, that being legasl means they will have the right to demand better wages, working conditions...etc. The employers that are using this almost-slave labor now, will NOT pay them a better wage, or provide better conditions, No, they will simply get more illegals to fill these positions.

I also have to say that I think having a border fence is absolutely ridiculous.
You're right, we need a wall all along the border, guarded every 100 yards 24/7

Posted by redwilma at 04:28 PM : Jun 06, 2007

[toadyouso21]

"give us your poor, your tired, your talented" Americans can't wait to experience the 1st world lifestyle first hand. Signed the US Senate, George Bush and the GOP in Congress.

[infidel_us]

toldyouso21,

You are mighty right! I'll do my best to replace every republican in my state and district. We are for sure in one sad period in our history!

[randalds]

Posted by RandalDS

I'm sorry, but you are wrong.
Posted by rohink at 04:40 PM : Jun 06, 2007

Well that's the great thing about America, we get to disagree. And before anyone else says so immigration is not going to change that. In fact most of time the most patriotic people in America are usually immigrants, because they appreciate America more for having come from somewhere else. Funny thing is they sign up for the military in huge numbers and most of them know American history and rights better then the many born here Americans who slept through history and/or civics classes in High School.

[omega39-2009]

Latest Rasmussen poll on this bill, looks like they are defying the will of the people.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/support_for_senate_immigration_bill_falls_49_prefer_no_bill_at_all

[lestb35]

This is a sad day for labor. A sad day for the rule of law and a sad day for VFW.

[lestb35]

Immigrants appreciate America because they worked hard to get here. IT MEANS SOMETHING. To illegals it's just a flop house and a job.

[infidel_us]

What do you know, Freedom is Free, we were lied to all these years.
Posted by lestb35 at 04:46 PM : Jun 06, 2007

An EXCELLENT point! Well said & Bravo!

[klingon69]

so why don't they just come out and admit they don't want brown people here?
Posted by RandalDS at 04:45 PM : Jun 06, 2007

No RandalDS(with one L) we just don't want YOU here.

[randalds]

Immigrants appreciate America because they worked hard to get here. IT MEANS SOMETHING. To illegals it's just a flop house and a job.
Posted by lestb35 at 04:52 PM : Jun 06, 2007

The above statement is what's known as complete and utter bullsh*it. A load of cr*ap. Not true. A lie. No basis in fact. Untrue. Mis-leading. Disingenuous. Cra*pola. Doo doo. Poo poo. Whatever you want to call it it, it's still sh*it, the whole sh*it and nothing but sh*it.

[lestb35]

Randal, you forgot, "So help me god."

[randalds]

No RandalDS(with one L) we just don't want YOU here.

Posted by Klingon69 at 04:55 PM : Jun 06, 2007

Awwwww! And I was born here and everything! And now you've hurt my feelings. (sniff sniff) Ain't that a god-awful shame?

You are, however, a fine example of why many immigrants are better Americans then people like you who were born here.

What a maroon.

[klingon69]

The above statement is what's known as complete and utter bullsh*it. A load of cr*ap. Not true. A lie. No basis in fact. Untrue. Mis-leading. Disingenuous. Cra*pola. Doo doo. Poo poo. Whatever you want to call it it, it's still sh*it, the whole sh*it and nothing but sh*it.
Posted by RandalDS at 04:55 PM : Jun 06, 2007

Much like all the fecal matter that YOU spew forth?
How is it a lie?
True immigrants (not illegals) care about the USA, they came for the opportunity and freedom. Many followed the legal, established path for citizenship, not this POS bill they're trying to ram down our throats.

[randalds]

Randal, you forgot, "So help me god."

Posted by lestb35 at 04:58 PM : Jun 06, 2007

That's because I'm an atheist (thank god).

;-)

[lestb35]

Well, I haven't seen how the vote went but I guarantee my dam Dem Senators voted for it. A vote against the American worker. IMO. What happened to the Democratic party.

[klingon69]

You are, however, a fine example of why many immigrants are better Americans then people like you who were born here.

What a maroon.
Posted by RandalDS at 04:58 PM : Jun 06, 2007
Thank you Bugs Bunny!

However you believe, I was still BORN here of parents who both held Citizenship of this country. Now, I don't doubt that many immigrants (legal) would make wonderful American citizens, so why should we push them back to allow these illegals legality and even citizenship?

[lestb35]

RECALL or IMPEACH. Every legal American wage earner should plan a two day strike. We could shut this country down. Everyone's job is at risk with the adoption of this bill. SHUT DOWN AMERICA. STRIKE FOR AMERICA

[klingon69]

RECALL or IMPEACH. Every legal American wage earner should plan a two day strike. We could shut this country down. Everyone's job is at risk with the adoption of this bill. SHUT DOWN AMERICA. STRIKE FOR AMERICA
Posted by lestb35 at 05:04 PM : Jun 06, 2007

The only problem with that is that unless one is union, there is NO job security if you strike. Besides, they'd just get some illegals to take the jobs.

[lestb35]

AT some point Klingon69 you have to take a risk. That's how we got where we are now. Not enough people are willing to stand up for what is right because they're not willing to take the risk.

[randalds]

I was still BORN here of parents who both held Citizenship of this country. Now, I don't doubt that many immigrants (legal) would make wonderful American citizens, so why should we push them back to allow these illegals legality and even citizenship?
Posted by Klingon69 at 05:03 PM : Jun 06, 2007

As was I. And we should grant them amnesty because they're already here and are not going anywhere no matter what bill anyone passes for or against immigration. They ain't a going anywhere, so the choice is do you want to know who is living in this country from other countries or don't you? Bring them out into the open and make America a safer place.

[lestb35]

RAndal, you know sometimes it's not a matter of logic it's a matter of principle. i always go with principle because in the end it's the only logical answer.

[randalds]

RAndal, you know sometimes it's not a matter of logic it's a matter of principle. i always go with principle because in the end it's the only logical answer.
Posted by lestb35 at 05:10 PM : Jun 06, 2007

It's not logic or principle, it's reality. they ain't a gonna go anywhere. No matter what law you pass or don't pass or who you do or do not vote in or out of whatever office you want to vote them in or out of. They're here and they're gonna stay. That's real. And that's the only realistic place to start looking at this issue. They're here and they're not leaving, no matter what anyone's principle says.

[klingon69]

They ain't a going anywhere, so the choice is do you want to know who is living in this country from other countries or don't you? Bring them out into the open and make America a safer place.
Posted by RandalDS at 05:09 PM : Jun 06, 2007

The really sad thing is that you really believe that this is going to bring them into the open. You actually believe that they are going to swarm in, give their correct names and datas, pay a fine(I know you want that part dropped)...etc.
Most of those working now are using either false info or are getting paid under the table. How is this going to stem the illegal tide? The previous laws were not enforced, these won't be, nd the employers are NOT going to pay them more, give them better conditions...etc. No sir, they will just order up a new batch of illegals.

[susanhelit]

Unbelievable! As much as we shouldn't be giving away citizenship to any idiot who breaks the law by coming here, how obvious can it be that we even more so do not want to EVER give citizenship to people who come here and commit FELONIES!

No FELON should be allowed to stay, period.

[lestb35]

SusanHelit, you missed the bulletin. Freedom is Free, afterall, it was all a big hoax.

[lestb35]

Apparently Democrats think a felony is like jaywalking or something.

[randalds]

The really sad thing is that you really believe that this is going to bring them into the open. You actually believe that they are going to swarm in, give their correct names and datas, pay a fine(I know you want that part dropped)...etc.
Most of those working now are using either false info or are getting paid under the table. How is this going to stem the illegal tide? The previous laws were not enforced, these won't be, nd the employers are NOT going to pay them more, give them better conditions...etc. No sir, they will just order up a new batch of illegals.

Posted by Klingon69 at 05:14 PM : Jun 06, 2007

So secure the borders more. I have no problem with that and even support the idea. Also yes, if you drop the fine and the requirement to go home to "touch base" (what a stupid idea that one is!) then most of them will come out and become legal citizens, because that's what the vast vast vast majority of them want. The amnesty under Reagan was NOT a bad idea, just horribly implemented. However the fact that Reagan screwed the idea up doesn't make the idea bad. Amnesty AND secure the borders AND heavy fines for employers AND a realistic Guest Worker Program equals more resources to go after the few undocumented aliens who do refuse to come out into the open. Realistic and sensible.

[randalds]

No FELON should be allowed to stay, period.
Posted by SusanHelit at 05:14 PM : Jun 06, 2007

Crossing the border illegally is a minor misdemeanor. If you don't like that then lobby to change the law, but right now even the chimp Bush says it's no more of a crime then a speeding ticket and (Darwin help me!) I agree with him on that. If they have broken no other laws then that, then I say give them amnesty.

[standlee5]

THey don't want to be citizens so they'll just stay here forever basking in the glory of freedom and democracy without any change in their situation. They'll continue to claim half of Mexico on their income taxes, continue using the same fraudulent SS#, continue to suck off the govt. for healthcare, housing subsidy, tutoring for their Spanish speaking kids and laugh at how stupid the gringo is.

[bill1fj]

No Amnesty
All illegal aliens are criminals. They broke the laws of the U.S. thus they are criminals.
Most of them also used illegally obtained identification, another crime. Many of them used false and/or illegally obtained Social Security numbers, which is yet another crime. And on and on.
Deport the illegal aliens, and fine heavily anyone that hires them. No exceptions. No jobs and many of them will go home. Vote any politician of either party out of office if they support this amnesty bill.
Come on government do the job you are supposed to do.

[klingon69]

Tell ya what, each time an illegal uses the emergency room, let's send the bill to Kennedy, he can pay for it since he thinks they can't get medical service here.

[lorinkundert]

To Congress, You Grant Amnesty and you will soon need Amnesty yourselves along with an unemployment check.