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GOP leader criticizes immigration amnesty proposal
By Associated Press
4:12 p.m. CDT, July 1, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says if President Barack Obama wants Republicans to go along with immigration reform, he has to drop any amnesty proposal.

The GOP leader says the legislation also would have to "make a real commitment to border and interior security."

Obama wants to create a way for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to become citizens, that's what opponents call amnesty. But the president says illegal immigrants would have to acknowledge that they broke the law, pay fines and back taxes, perform community service and learn English.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he's committed to passing a bill this year. The Nevada Democrat is in a tight re-election race and could benefit politically from enacting a broad overhaul.

> 00:36 "''

Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent

President Barack Obama says he's ready to move on an immigration overhaul, but he can't do so unless Republicans show some political courage. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports.

> 00:09 "imperative as well"

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama says after decades of angry debate, it's time for America to get immigration right.

> 00:09 "bring it together"

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama says there is a way forward, if Washington will show some political courage.

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