Immigration Bill Dies
I'm not yet sure how I feel about this. I do my best thinking when I have to sit down in front of my computer and organize my thoughts. But the immigration reform bill died today.
The Senate drove a stake Thursday through President Bush's plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants, likely postponing major action on immigration until after the 2008 elections.
This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP)—The Senate voted Thursday on an effort by opponents to stop a bill supported by President Bush to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants while also tightening the border against future immigrants.
The critical vote determining the bill's fate began shortly after 11 a.m. EDT.
Bush, seeking to salvage the biggest domestic initiative of his final two years in office, called senators earlier in the morning seeking help.
However, supporters needed 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to keep the bill alive. Aligned against it were conservatives who derided the legislation as a grant of amnesty for illegal behavior and some Democrats who said it would leave a new group of temporary workers vulnerable to exploitation.
Supporters pointed to the bill's tougher border security and workplace enforcement measures, along with an immediate infusion of $4.4 billion to pay for them, as reasons to keep the bill alive for a final vote Friday.
The carefully crafted compromise was left for dead after a similar vote three weeks ago but was revived by Bush and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who gave opponents more chances to change it.
Updates here, here and here.
Labels: Immigration Bill Dead
posted by Michael at
8:38 AM
1 Comments:
I am so saddend that this bill has ended like this.
I don't understand why more could not have voted in favor of this measure.
I am an American, and I am not the only American to be in love with someone who was not born that way. I am sad, scared, and fearful for our child who will be born in about 2 months.
When I met this person, I did not understand illegal vs. legal immigrant, I was 18 and that was about 8 years ago. And this person, like many immigrants who came when they were young (this person was 16)did not know at the time that they would remain, build a life, reunite with family they had not seen for years, and then fall in love and start a family.
I understand why people can be against it, they don't like the idea of people breaking the law, well neither do I. But when I think of lawbreakers, I think of theives, arsonists, murders, pedofiles, etc...not people who tried to better their life.
I have nothing more to say, except this is a very sad day for all who have family and friends that still have to remain fearful everyday.
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