American immigration moves to the Senate

By the end of this week, the US Senate is scheduled to take a final vote on a bill to improve the immigration system. On Tuesday, legislators voted 64 to 35 to return to discussion of this document, the previous version of which in early June seemed too liberal to most of them.

Immigration reform has many powerful opponents, particularly in labor unions, but it also has many supporters, especially among employers. Before the vote, President George W. Bush told senators that “the current immigration system is not working” and therefore “it is unacceptable to continue.” The bill in its current version tightens border control, for which an additional $4.4 billion has been allocated, as well as the punishment of illegal immigrants. At the same time, about 12 million illegal immigrants will have the opportunity to acquire a visa, and eventually the right to permanent residence in the United States and even citizenship. If approved by the Senate, the document will go to the House of Representatives, where many influential Democrats and Republicans are ready to reject the bill, which would “amnesty millions of criminals.”

Alexander SAMOKHOTKIN