Senate passes sweeping immigration bill

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Senate passes sweeping immigration bill

Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. Senate gave final approval Thursday to a roughly 1,200-page bill that promises to overhaul immigration laws for the first time since 1986, creating a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented residents while ratcheting up security along the Mexican border.

Senators passed the sweeping legislation -- initially drafted by the four Democrats and four Republicans in the chamber's so-called "Gang of Eight" -- by a 68-32 vote.

Fourteen Republicans joined a united Democratic caucus in supporting the bill, which is backed by the White House and has the potential to become the crowning legislative achievement of President Barack Obama's second term.

[Bugs 455]

Which of course doesn't mean anything until the House can agree on something.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Which of course doesn't mean anything until the House can agree on something.

Boehner has his work cut out for him. That's a strong majority in the Senate. If it doesn't happen because Boehner can't get it through the House, Republicans can go packing.

[Bugs 455]

Boehner has his work cut out for him. That's a strong majority in the Senate. If it doesn't happen because Boehner can't get it through the House, Republicans can go packing.

I thought you were against it due to legalizing the 10 million illegals, or was it someone else?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I thought you were against it due to legalizing the 10 million illegals, or was it someone else?

I don't like it the quasi amnesty path but I realize that there really isn't much of an alternative. We can't maintain the status quo, we can't round them up and send them home and the self-deporting approach isn't going work or to fix the issue either. So what do we do? I think what the Senate has worked out in a true bi-partisan fashion is the best option realistically available. I'm not a fan of it but I see why we're heading down this path.

Edited June 27, 2013 by Mr. Big Dog

[Bugs 455]

Okay, thanks for the clarity.

While that aspect will probably be the most talked about and contentious part of the bill, I'm also interested in seeing all the changes that are apparently written in the bill concerning the legal visa process for immigration, as there are several, many of which will affect future, if not present, VJers getting visas. Should be interesting.

[Pooky 3,843]

Boehner has his work cut out for him. That's a strong majority in the Senate. If it doesn't happen because Boehner can't get it through the House, Republicans can go packing.

But not the majority the "Gang of Eight" had hoped for. Despite an avalanche of last minute pork, they couldn't get the "Yes" vote over 70.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

But not the majority the "Gang of Eight" had hoped for. Despite an avalanche of last minute pork, they couldn't get the "Yes" vote over 70.

They got better than 2/3 of the Senate. That's quite overwhelming. House Republicans will kill the bill and with that, they'll be further away from moving their candidate into the White House any time soon.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

We've been sold out. I'm heading for Mexico.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We've been sold out. I'm heading for Mexico.

Yeah, not as many Mexicans there. They're all here.

[Bugs 455]

We've been sold out. I'm heading for Mexico.

You sound eerily similar to those who threatened to move to Canada after Obamacare passed lol.

Edited June 28, 2013 by Leon & Mylen

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

You sound eerily similar to those who threatened to move to Canada after Obamacare passed lol.

What, you mean they're still here?

[Bugs 455]

What, you mean they're still here?

No they went. Then came back with their tails between their legs once they realized they have socialized medicine up there as well.

Edited June 28, 2013 by Leon & Mylen

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

No they went. Then came back with their tails between their legs once they realized they have socialized medicine up there as well.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I didn't go to Canada and I'm not really going to Mexico. This vote is a slap in the face to every legal immigrant that has entered the country since immigration laws have been in place. There should be an uproar by every legal immigrant against this.