The Great Immigration Debate May Soon Be Settled
Thursday, April 06, 2006SUSIE GHARIB: Lawmakers on Capitol Hill tonight are close to reaching an agreement on the hotly contested issue of immigration reform. Senate leaders said that although some details still need to be worked out, they expect to pass a bill tomorrow that would give millions of immigrants a path to citizenship. As Stephanie Dhue reports, it would be the Senate`s most sweeping immigration bill in two decades.
STEPHANIE DHUE, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: After a vote to keep debate open on the immigration reform bill, a bi-partisan news conference had the feel of a celebration.
SEN. BILL FRIST, MAJORITY LEADER: We`ve had a huge breakthrough which will allow us to pivot in the next several hours that will lead us to the conclusion of passing a very important bill.
DHUE: The compromise proposal by Senators Chuck Hagel and Mel Martinez would increase the number of employment based green cards from 290,000 to 450,000. It would allow illegal immigrants who`ve been in the country more than five years to transition to legal status if they meet certain conditions, including working, speaking English and paying taxes. Illegal immigrants in the country for fewer than two years would be required to leave. President Bush says he`s encouraged by the breakthrough.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I recognize there are still details to be worked out. I would encourage the members to work hard to get the bill done prior to the upcoming break.
DHUE: Conservative opponents blasted the proposal as amnesty for illegal immigrants who break the law.
REP. TOM TANCREDO (R) COLORADO: If you`ve broken the law, and if you`ve done it for long enough you`ll get amnesty. If you`ve only broken it a short time, you`re out of here, right?
DHUE: Opponents say it won`t fly with the House-passed bill that would make it a felony to live in the country illegally and make it a crime to help illegal immigrants. Supporters of the Senate compromise are seeking assurances their plan will be included in a final bill.
SEN. HARRY REID, MINORITY LEADER: We can`t declare victory, but we`ve moved a long ways down the road. The movement has taken place by inches. As with everything it`s the last few inches that count and we`re almost there.
DHUE: The Senate plans a final vote on its immigration bill tomorrow. That as immigrant supporters plan more rallies around the country next week. Stephanie Dhue, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT, Washington.
