Time running short for immigration deal

Associated Press - May 17, 2007 6:55 AM ET

Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy says today is "D-Day" in talks toward an elusive deal on border security and the fates of illegal immigrants.

A bipartisan group of senators is scrambling with White House officials to reach a deal on fortifying the border and granting quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants.

Republicans and Democrats are working to hammer out details of the emerging compromise and settle the stubborn dispute. The talks center on how much family ties and other criteria should count toward green cards. The scheme prioritizes advanced skills and education levels for future immigrants.

Kennedy says it's likely the last chance for a compromise before senators scatter for a 3-day weekend.

If no deal emerges, Senate Democrats were to vote Monday evening to bring up an immigration measure that passed last year over Republican objections. Senate Republicans have vowed to block the bill in a highly partisan start to the immigration debate, which divides the two parties and exposes cracks within their ranks.



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