Democrats resist plan for border security bill

Despite mounting pressures for more border security in the wake of Arizona's illegal-immigration crackdown, lawmakers have no intention of tackling the problem at the federal level with legislation focused solely on border security. Instead, the Democratic majority in the House and Senate plan to attempt a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would create a pathway to citizenship for the millions who are here illegally. The sheer size and scope of such a measure virtually guarantees it cannot be passed this year, especially with the midterm elections approaching. This leaves Arizona and the other southwestern border states on their own in dealing with the escalating problem. Democrats know if they meet Republican demands for a narrow bill focused on border security, the chances of ever passing a citizenship program for illegals on its own will be greatly reduced...more