A US Senate bipartisan group has announced the framework for an immigration reform bill they hope to approve by late spring or early summer. The framework includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already living in the US, as well as a plan to better secure US borders.
A total of 14 Republicans joined 54 Senate Democrats to pass immigration reform bill.
US Representative Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) issued the statement following Senate passage of comprehensive immigration reform.
“Today, the tireless efforts of immigrant families and advocates around the country paid off with a truly historic vote! I applaud the 68 Senators who recognized the importance of comprehensive reform and helped us move one giant step closer to a real solution. Although the bill is not perfect, today’s vote shows that productive movement on this issue is possible. Now, it’s time for my Republican colleagues in the House to join Democrats and answer the American people’s call for genuine reform.”
Meanwhile, an uphill battle is expected for the bill to make it through the House. ICE agents and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are asking the public, as well as members of the U.S. Senate to oppose the “Gang of Eight” immigration bill on the eve of its expected vote in the Senate.