Reid’s Push on Immigration Bill Finds Little Republican Support

By Laura Litvan - Nov 30, 2010

A drive by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to retool U.S. immigration policy this year is running into resistance from Republicans essential for passage.

Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said earlier this month he will put before the Senate a stand-alone measure permitting legal status for some undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

The legislation’s advocates, including Washington- based America’s Voice, say it will likely need the support of a half-dozen Republican senators to pass during the lame-duck session.

Many targeted for support -- including retiring Republicans George Voinovich of Ohio and George LeMieux of Florida -- say they won’t go along.

“Granting legal status should only be done as part of comprehensive reform to ensure that we finally address our broken immigration system,â€