Thread: DEAL STRUCK ON IMMIGRATION BILL

Deal Struck on Immigration Bill


May 17 01:05 PM US/Eastern
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) - 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, 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, 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, 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.



http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id ... _article=1

after weeks of painstaking closed-door negotiations

, with the Chamber of Commerce.

Dixie

Look at the names all over this news article!! All the people we love and respect so dearly!!

Lindsay Graham (I had just taken a sip of my diet pepsi when I read that one ---I inhaled the pepsi---- had diet pepsi coming out of my nose ), Ted Kennedy, Harry Reid, Alien Spector, President Bush!!

That was a bombshell. I need to re-gather myself.

that sob drunk ted is on and I'm getting sick.

they won't follow any leagl guide lines why should they now? they already get everything for free why screw things up and do it leaglly?

Mod Edit Image

When did the American people approve of this?

My rage is uncontainable!

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When did the American people approve of this?

My rage is uncontainable! [/quote]

While I am outraged at the shamnesty, I have to say your picture spoke volumes and has me in stitches TF IS RIGHT

My wife asked if we should bother paying our taxes next year as a sign of protest. Why should I give this Congress and Senate a dime? They seem to be getting enough from La Raza, MALDEF, NASCO, etc. as it is.

This is sickening. I'm still trying to understand why ANYONE in their right mind would ever negotiate anything about immigration with "Open Border/Open Bottle" Ted Kennedy. What makes the captain of the Capitol Hill swim team an immigration expert? The fact that he helped to create the illegal immigration problem in the 60's? Maybe the fact that he was in the middle of the debacle of the 80's that gave 3 million illegals amnesty.

welcome to the newest 3rd world country.

Sorry, I was so outraged over this, that I double posted under the 'Blitz' thread.

Don't know whether I want to scream or cry?

This is certainly NOT gov't in the Sunshine. I do NOT like sneaky deals.