US Senate Passes Landmark Immigration Bill

The immigration bill, possibly President Obama’s crowning legislative achievement, was passed. The US Senate gave final approval to the first overhaul of US immigration laws in more than a quarter of a century. The 1,200-page immigration bill was passed on Thursday. The sweeping legislation went through with a 68-32 vote. The bill garnered full support from all the Democrats in the Senate. The united Democrat caucus was joined by 14 Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada dedicated the decision to the late Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts before the Thursday vote. Sen. Kennedy was instrumental in pushing for immigration reform. Senator Reid said that he knows that Sen. Kennedy is looking down at them now with pride.

One step closer

Vice-President Joe Biden presided over the vote and senators called out “aye” or “no” from their seats in adherence to traditional Senate protocol. Chants and applause greeted Vice-President Biden’s announcement of the results of the proceedings. The bill is now heading towards the House of Representatives largely dominated by Republicans.

A historic day

Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy said that the passage of the law is historic. The legislation will bring people living in the shadows out into the legal system. In addition, the legislation will reunite families, reduce deficit, spur job growth, and “make us safer,” he said. Gang of Eight member Senator Bob Menendez said that he hopes the House of Representatives will hear the message loud and clear.

“A critical step”

President Obama released a statement lauding the vote and calling it a critical step in fixing what for him is a broken immigration system. The bill provides legal citizenship opportunities to 11 million undocumented residents living in the United States and fortifies security along the American border to Mexico. Other areas addressed by the bill are employer hiring, legal immigration, and entry-exit system to monitor visa expiration of foreign nationals.

“Yes we can!”

Though there is staunch opposition to the bill, the passage is a triumph for everyone who worked hard for immigration reform. Six years ago, attempts at reforms failed. Undocumented immigrants still face at least 13 years of arduous procedures; nevertheless, they are thankful that the path to legal citizenship has finally been opened to them. Young immigrants calling themselves “Dreamers” who entered the country as children only need to wait for five years to get their green cards. This is the same for some agricultural workers.

The Gang of Eight

The bill was drafted by the Gang of Eight composed of four Republicans and four Democrats. The four Republican senators who drafted the bill are Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. The four Democrats are Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and Chuck Schumer of New York.

Opposition from the House

The GOP-controlled House of Representatives maintain their opposition to the Senate bill. Republican House Speaker John Boehner from Ohio said that they intend to do their “own bill through regular order” instead of merely taking up and voting on whatever the Senate approves. He insisted that the House will formulate legislation “that reflects the will of our majority and the will of the American people.”

Photo Credit: Seal of the Senate of the United States