Tests Ahead for Immigration Deal
By Martin Kady II and Jonathan Allen, CQ Staff

Two amendments — one from the left and one from the right — may be the ultimate test of whether a fragile coalition will hold when the Senate brings back the stalled immigration bill.

Supporters of the bill (S 134 had reason to be optimistic last week when Senate leaders agreed to revive it and limit amendments. The legislation could be on the floor by the end of this week, with 12 Republican and 11 Democratic amendments to be considered.

One Democratic amendment, which would give family ties more weight in any point system that allows illegal immigrants to gain legal status, could cause trouble with Republican supporters of the bill.

The proposal, by Robert Menendez, D-N.J., has support from liberals and immigration advocates. But it has the potential to increase legal immigration and could be a deal-breaker for Republican supporters pushing for a merit-based immigration system.

Menendez dismissed the criticism, saying family reunification is a “bedrock principleâ€