Eight senators propose bill for sweeping reform as the very latest hearings begin on immigration

Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

The National Law Review accurately reflected the feeling of reporters in the room hearing the news, “The Senate bill contains sweeping changes that are difficult to distill completely in a summary. Moreover, it is important to bear in mind that any final bill that Congress sends to President Obama for signature may contain major alterations from the Senate proposal.” After this statement, bipartisan Senators ,a== a proposal aimed at reforming the law on April 17th. The full text of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity & Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 can be read here.

Very briefly, the bill deals in part with a new border fence plan, work programs, and an eventual route to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. Recent events in Boston regarding two foreign-born Chechens suspected of terrorism may prompt law makers to put an additional emphasis on increased security measures. The Wall Street Journal noted:

In a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey, 54% said they believe immigration strengthens the U.S., compared with 36% who said it weakens the country. An even larger majority said they were in favor of creating a path to citizenship for the millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, the poll found.