http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... g0321.html

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Migrants' temporary departure supported
Dan Nowicki and Mike Madden
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 21, 2007 12:00 AM

Momentum is growing on Capitol Hill for immigration-reform legislation that would require some undocumented immigrants to leave the country to apply for citizenship.

The provision, known as "touchback," is increasingly seen as a way to garner more conservative support and deflect the politically damaging charge that lawmakers are providing amnesty for people who have broken the law.

"We recognize that touchback is a powerful political statement," said Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., co-sponsor of a bipartisan comprehensive reform bill that is expected to be introduced Thursday.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., once cool to the idea of touchback, is keeping an open mind. Running for president, he has met stiff opposition to illegal immigration among GOP voters.

Working closely with the White House, lawmakers are hoping to write immigration proposals that will draw broad bipartisan support.

"The touchback provision is not my idea, but for many, it's critical to the immigration reform bill," said Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who said she won't oppose an otherwise positive bill because of it.

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