Sen. Dick Durbin says the chances are good that the U.S. Senate will pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Durbin says he is one of three Democrats working with three Republicans to draft an immigration bill. He says all six senators agree the legislation should include the DREAM Act, which would make college affordable for illegal immigrants.
Durbin says Republicans are rethinking their position on immigration following the 2012 election, when Hispanic voters turned out heavily for President Barack Obama and other Democrats.
But the Illinois senator says any immigration bill will need the support of the Hispanic caucus and Republicans, so it will require compromise.
Durbin said he couldn't speculate about the prospects of approval in the Republican-controlled House.
Some state lawmakers, including Mike Bost and John Bradley, stated the reason illegal immigrants were given drivers licenses during the lame duck session was because of a lack of immigration reform at the federal level.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
E-Mail
Print
