No agreement yet in sight on immigration

“The Senate launches a major debate on immigration this week, with shaky prospects for a comprehensive overhaul that large numbers of Democrats and Republicans can support.

One of the biggest sticking points is how the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already living here would be treated. Republican senators are insisting on tougher rules than in last years Senate bill for illegal immigrants to achieve legal status — longer waits, bigger fines and a trip home to the country of origin.

But a new issue has emerged that is equally contentious. The Bush administration has proposed managing the future flow of legal immigration by stressing job skills and education over family ties. Immigrant groups worry that will sharply curtail the ability to bring in close relatives.”

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