House GOP uncertain over immigration reform

Immigration reform moves to a crucial new arena on Wednesday when Republicans who make up the majority in the U.S. House meet to discuss their version of legislation that already passed the Democratic-led Senate.

While House GOP leaders insist the Senate version is dead on arrival, some signal possible areas of compromise on the measure considered vital to both parties and the legacy of President Barack Obama.

For Obama and Democrats, passage means following through on a promise to the nation's largest minority demographic -- Hispanic Americans -- to reduce uncertainty for millions of them living in the United States illegally.

For Republicans, it is the best and perhaps lone chance to make inroads with the key Hispanic demographic that overwhelmingly supported Obama in last year's presidential election.

However, Republicans in Congress and across the country remain split over how to deal with the 11 million immigrants living illegally in America -- those who sneaked in or overstayed visas.

That issue will be significant in next year's congressional elections with House Republicans under pressure from conservatives to oppose what the political right-wing calls amnesty in the form of a path to legal status and even citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Moderate Republicans, including most of the party's leaders in Congress, want a compromise that would represent a potential breakthrough for the GOP with Hispanic Americans.

Former President George W. Bush added his voice on Wednesday to calls for a solution, telling a ceremony for new citizens that the present system was broken.

"I do hope there is a positive resolution to the debate," Bush said in a rare public comment about politics since he left office. While he refrained from taking sides, he sounded moderate in saying he hoped that "we keep a benevolent spirit in mind."

"We understand the contributions immigrants make to our country," said Bush, a Republican. "We must remember that the vast majority of immigrants are decent people who work hard and support their families and practice their faith and lead responsible lives."

Source: http://www.wdsu.com/news/politics/House-GOP-uncertain-over-immigration-reform/-/9853324/20919178/-/jdjam6z/-/index.html?absolute=true

nfl scores nfl scores Devon Walker Tom Cruise ryan reynolds Star Trek: The Original Series Carlton