Immigration reform stalled until 2008 vote

Despite nationwide protests and rallies this year demanding an overhaul of U.S. immigration laws, congressional leaders acknowledge little change is likely for at least another year.

Two leading lawmakers who have been key negotiators on immigration bills said last week that no measures legalizing any of the country’s estimated 12million undocumented immigrants likely are to come up for a vote until after the 2008 presidential election.

“I don’t think we’re talking comprehensive immigration in this Congress,” said Rep. Howard Berman, D-Van Nuys, using the Democratic term for legislation seen as incorporating more border security and employer verification as well as a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.”*

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