In a major breakthrough, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a revised version of the US immigration bill with the incorporation of key changes as presented to the House of Representatives. The vote of the committee on the bill was under considerable scrutiny since it had marked a pivot point in the back-and-forth debate about comprehensive immigration reform. The revised bill, passed 12–6, opens a path to citizenship for 12 million people who have entered the country illegally.
The bill also includes party changes and additions that have been agreed to by members in both houses. Among the more important changes now to be included is the provision for stricter rules for undocumented immigrants to grant them citizenship. Applicants are required to adhere to the set conditions, like passing a background check, paying a fine, and having some understanding of US civics and English language skills. The focus is to have these immigrants become aligned with the incorporation of American society and economic values.
Another critical change in the compromise is the increase in funds associated with securing the border: currently, financing up to $25 billion over a span of one decade for infrastructure, technology, and personnel along the border. This includes money directed toward new physical barriers constructed along the U.S.-Mexico border, investments in surveillance technology, and personnel training. The bill also has provisions for a class of residents that are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has been the wellspring of litigation since its inception. They could begin applying to gain their permanent residency; they would eventually be able to apply for and become citizens if they graduated from high school and passed background checks. Besides these provisions, the bill is composed of further ways to deal with family separation and to reduce backlogs in the courts of the immigration system. While providing for a family reunion, the bill provides more resources to be allocated to legal aid and the immigration courts in terms of staff increases.
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While some Democrats have said they worry about money pouring into border security and other issues they consider to be harsh, the overall view was that the committee’s approval was a clear victory. “Today’s vote is a significant step forward in our effort to pass comprehensive immigration reform,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., chairman of the Judiciary Committee. “We’ve struggled really hard to pull a lot of Republican energy towards this bill, and I am proud of what we have done.” The changes, though, have upset some. Advocacy groups thought there was a greater shift toward border protection, involved in more serious consultation on clauses that could offer necessary help needed to deal with issues such as visas for farmworkers and temporary workers.
”This bill still leaves a lot undone to achieve what immigrant communities want,” said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers. ”We encourage members of Congress to continue their efforts in finding solutions that take justice and fairness toward all immigrants as a first priority.’ The bill goes to the full Senate. If the Senate approves it, it goes to the House of Representatives, where there are likely to be extensive debates, followed by more votes. There is a lot that can still go wrong, in other words, but today’s vote is nonetheless an important step in immigration reform.
