Feb 15, 2018 - Politics & Policy

The bipartisan immigration bill is falling flat

Susan Collins with elevator doors closing on her and reporters holding out recorders

Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty

The Common Sense Coalition's bipartisan immigration bill dropped last night, but it's already drawing complaints from lawmakers from both parties:

  • Hardline Republicans don't like a provision that calls for immigration enforcement to focus on undocumented immigrants with criminal records and recent arrivals.
  • Meanwhile, Democrats aren't happy about preventing "dreamers" who become citizens from sponsoring their parents.

Bottom line: This was the Senate's best shot at appeasing both sides, but so far, 60 votes still looks just out of reach.

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