Early in March President Obama met with members of his Domestic Policy Council and researched ways to restore the efforts of Democrat Charles E. Schumer of New York and Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina in creating a bill to that could possibly lead into White House legislation.
“The basis of a bill would include a path toward citizenship for the 10.8 million people living in the U.S. illegally. Citizenship would not be granted lightly, the White House said. Undocumented workers would need to register, pay taxes and pay a penalty for violating the law. Failure to comply might result in deportation.”
“Schumer, speaking as he walked quickly through the Capitol, said he was having trouble rounding up Republican supporters apart from Graham. “It’s tough finding someone, but we’re trying,” Schumer said.
On Thursday, Schumer met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who oversees the government’s immigration efforts, to strategize over potential Republican co-sponsors.
“We’re very hopeful we can get a bill done. We have all the pieces in place. We just need a second Republican,” Schumer said in a statement.
Among proponents, there is a consensus that a proposal must move by April or early May to have a realistic chance of passing this year. If that deadline slips, Congress’ focus is likely to shift to the November elections, making it impossible to take up major legislation.”
