From Deseret News archives:
Senate OKs immigration bill
Bennett yea, Hatch nay; tough talks lie ahead
Utah's two Republican senators diverged in their votes. Sen. Bob Bennett voted for the bill, saying "it's not perfect, but it's a necessary step." Sen. Orrin Hatch voted against it, saying "it grants the largest amnesty ever undertaken in any country, at any time."
The Senate bill has little in common with the House bill with which it must be reconciled.
Both bills include money to better secure the borders. However, the Senate bill provides a new guest worker program and gives an eventual shot at citizenship to many of the estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants. The House bill, focused on enforcement, includes no such provisions. It does, however, make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally.
Hatch is expected to be part of the team that will negotiate the compromise between the two bills. "I'll work to find a way to secure our borders in a way the American people can accept," he said.
"We must enable the border patrol agents to focus on apprehending criminals, drug runners and terrorists, instead of being overwhelmed by those seeking legitimate employment," he said in a statement.
Hatch disagreed. "I can't support this it creates more problems than it fixes," he said in a statement. "We passed some strong border security provisions, and that's good. But blanket amnesty doesn't work, regardless of how it's disguised."
U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who hopes to be part of the negotiation team, was optimistic Thursday that a compromise with the Senate could be reached before an August break.
"I have high hopes we'll be able to solve this problem and get a final bill to the president for his signature in the next couple months," Cannon said. "That will take a concerted effort. I think even the Senate has figured out the American people really want a solution."
Those watching the debate in Utah acknowledged the immigration debate is far from over.
Comments
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime 1:11 a.m.
- UVU beats SUU; USU wins big 12:57 a.m.
- BYU spikers end season with a loss 12:55 a.m.
- Iverson may be headed to 76ers 12:34 a.m.
- Credit Coug defense for win 12:33 a.m.
- Aggies blow away T-birds 12:32 a.m.
- Mo steals show in Cavaliers' victory 12:31 a.m.
- Editorial: Facilitate Big Brother? 12:22 a.m.
- Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet 12:21 a.m.
- Political clash over U.S. debt 12:21 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- BYU is champion of the state
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Idaho woman dies after fall
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
396 - Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
150 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Y. focused on 10-win season
73 - Letters: C02 causes warming
70
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
watch out for next year for sure, the negatives are just closet (and...
And something else, I generally follow players from the state schools when...
I could care less that Max Hall said what he did. The feeling is mutual BYU...
Dear Max, probably could have done without that comment. Probably would've...
As a Utah fan, let me first say congratulations to Max Hall, the Cougars, and...
Geno's and Pat's are good.. but, they are mostly for tourists, the real...
(You even got a middle initial... how's that for 'ya Max) It's nice to see...
Even today, I still cannot get enough of this movie or Charles Gitonga Maina....
...disappointed with Max Hall's comments that he hates everything about UofU....
Over the last few days I read comments of people complaining about tasteless...




You can be the first to comment on this story.