vin13
08-07-2009, 09:53 AM
Immigration Effort Draws GOP Backer - WSJ.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124957962686211693.html)
By CAM SIMPSON
WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats have found a Republican in Sen. Lindsey Graham to help them push for passage of a comprehensive immigration overhaul this year.
But the lag in getting prominent support from a Republican -- more than two months after Democrats first announced their push -- shows how complicated prospects for passage could be this year, as immigration remains a wedge inside an increasingly divided GOP
Democrats and Republicans say Mr. Graham of South Carolina is working behind the scenes with Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) to gain support from other GOP members. Mr. Schumer is quarterbacking this year's campaign for an overhaul.
The bill is still taking shape, but it is expected to include key features of unsuccessful 2006 and 2007 immigration proposals, including a path to legal status for many of the illegal immigrants already inside the U.S. and measures to strengthen border security. The proposal to allow illegal immigrants to achieve legal status has drawn opposition from those who see it as an unwarranted reward for breaking the law.
A new Gallup poll this week showed Americans less favorable to immigration than they were a year ago, which could make the climate for legislation even tougher. Now 50% of those surveyed say immigration should be decreased, which is up significantly from the 39% who said the same a year ago.
Mr. Schumer is likely to introduce a bill after senators return in September, although a health-care overhaul and other legislative efforts are higher priorities for congressional Democrats and the Obama administration.
Wes Hickman, a spokesman for Mr. Graham, said in a statement that "Senator Graham is ready and willing to play a key role in immigration reform. He intends to work with many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle."
Mr. Graham, a second-term Republican, supported efforts backed by then-President George W. Bush to remake immigration policy, despite fierce criticism from many Republicans in his home state.
Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), who led those earlier drives along with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D., Mass.), isn't expected to play a prominent role this year. He faces a primary challenge next year in the state he has represented for more than two decades. One of his opponents is a founder of a controversial group that conducts civilian patrols along the border in search of illegal immigrants.
Lawmakers from both parties, but especially Republicans, have faced intense criticism from populist corners of their constituencies, where there is support for a zero-tolerance, enforcement-only approach to immigration.
Pulling in the other direction for Republicans is strong support from business groups for guest-worker programs, including for high-tech workers, and a way to legalize many of the high- and low-skill foreign laborers already inside the U.S.
By CAM SIMPSON
WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats have found a Republican in Sen. Lindsey Graham to help them push for passage of a comprehensive immigration overhaul this year.
But the lag in getting prominent support from a Republican -- more than two months after Democrats first announced their push -- shows how complicated prospects for passage could be this year, as immigration remains a wedge inside an increasingly divided GOP
Democrats and Republicans say Mr. Graham of South Carolina is working behind the scenes with Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) to gain support from other GOP members. Mr. Schumer is quarterbacking this year's campaign for an overhaul.
The bill is still taking shape, but it is expected to include key features of unsuccessful 2006 and 2007 immigration proposals, including a path to legal status for many of the illegal immigrants already inside the U.S. and measures to strengthen border security. The proposal to allow illegal immigrants to achieve legal status has drawn opposition from those who see it as an unwarranted reward for breaking the law.
A new Gallup poll this week showed Americans less favorable to immigration than they were a year ago, which could make the climate for legislation even tougher. Now 50% of those surveyed say immigration should be decreased, which is up significantly from the 39% who said the same a year ago.
Mr. Schumer is likely to introduce a bill after senators return in September, although a health-care overhaul and other legislative efforts are higher priorities for congressional Democrats and the Obama administration.
Wes Hickman, a spokesman for Mr. Graham, said in a statement that "Senator Graham is ready and willing to play a key role in immigration reform. He intends to work with many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle."
Mr. Graham, a second-term Republican, supported efforts backed by then-President George W. Bush to remake immigration policy, despite fierce criticism from many Republicans in his home state.
Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), who led those earlier drives along with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D., Mass.), isn't expected to play a prominent role this year. He faces a primary challenge next year in the state he has represented for more than two decades. One of his opponents is a founder of a controversial group that conducts civilian patrols along the border in search of illegal immigrants.
Lawmakers from both parties, but especially Republicans, have faced intense criticism from populist corners of their constituencies, where there is support for a zero-tolerance, enforcement-only approach to immigration.
Pulling in the other direction for Republicans is strong support from business groups for guest-worker programs, including for high-tech workers, and a way to legalize many of the high- and low-skill foreign laborers already inside the U.S.