Alex Orozco of Mexico is seen in Des Moines, Iowa, at a news conference. Orozco and others are calling for improvements to the current immigration proposals. (AP Photo/Des Moines Register, David Peterson)

Immigration Bill in Senate

By Jeff White
Efforts to reform immigration law fell apart in the U.S. Senate in early June. A plan put together by Senate leaders and the White House unraveled. It came apart as the Senate considered changes.

Supporters lacked the votes to end debate on the bill. It was pulled from the floor but could return.

Lawmakers disagree
"I have every desire to complete this legislation," said Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.). Reid is the Senate majority leader.

A major sticking point is how to deal with an estimated 12 million people who are in the United States illegally.
Under the proposal they would be fined. They also would have to return to their home countries before they could gain legal status.

Families could be split
Opponents of the bill say it gives amnesty to those who broke the law.

The legislation tightens border security. It cracks down on the hiring of illegal immigrants.

The bill also shifts priority to workers with needed skills. Less emphasis would be placed on keeping families together.

"This proposal is nothing but a massive amnesty bill," said Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner. The Menomonee Falls Republican is a critic of immigration reform efforts.

Americans favor reform
Millions of immigrants are not here legally. Michele Wucker says the new law "would give them a chance to live and work legally in the United States."

Wucker is the author of "Lockout," a book about immigration.

"Polls show that most Americans think this is the right thing to do," said Wucker.

A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll backed her claim.

It showed that 52 percent of Americans favor giving illegal immigrants the right to live and work in the United States legally if they pay a fine and meet other requirements.

Fifty-three percent of Republicans oppose the idea.

Bill must clear Senate
If a bill passes in the Senate, the House could take up the matter. Both chambers would then confer to form one bill. It would be sent to the president for his signature.

President Bush has said he wants immigration reform. It is likely that he would sign a bill.