McCain wants to renew immigration fight
By Peter Hecht - Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 2:39 pm PDT Monday, June 11, 2007
Despite facing intense opposition from conservatives in his own party, presidential candidate John McCain vowed today to fight to resurrect legislation to improve border security and grant legal status to 12 million illegal immigrants.

In a campaign appearance in Sacramento, McCain said he is pushing for compromises on amendments to a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the hope that Congress can pass the measure by the July 4 recess.

"We can't allow the status quo to prevail," McCain said. "Twelve millon people marching around America illegally. Broken borders. No viable temporary worker program for our agricultural workers here. Employers being forced to be in violation of the law because they feel forced to hire people who are here illegally.

"This issue need to be resolved."

In a major political setback to President Bush, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pulled the bill last week after senators voted overwhelmingly against a motion to cut off debate to bring it to a vote.

McCain, an Arizona senator and one of the principle proponents of the immigration measure, has been skewered by Republican conservatives for advocating "amnesty" in the measure that would legalize millions of undocumented workers. It would also create a temporary guest worker program, improve border security and crack down on employers hiring illegal workers.

http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/216809.html