Tonight House Gop Leaders Unveiling Immigration Reform Framework

[Hitman]

Republican leaders in the House of Representatives plan to outline broad immigration principles, including legalization for the 11 million immigrants living here illegally, to the party's rank and file members as they look to revive long-stalled efforts to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.

The party's leadership faces strong opposition from several conservatives who fear that legislation will lead to citizenship for people who broke U.S. immigration laws, are suspicious of President Barack Obama's agenda and are reluctant to give the president a long-sought legislative victory.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner and other House Republican leaders will measure the willingness of party members to tackle immigration in a midterm election year when they unveil the principles Thursday at the party caucus' annual retreat in Maryland.

 

At a press conference Thursday morning, Boehner signaled his intent to push forward, but he declined to spell out many specifics ahead of a meeting with his caucus.

"This problem's been around for at least the last 15 years," he said. "I think it’s time to deal with it but how we deal with it is critically important."

Boehner reiterated his desire for a "step-by-step" process in lieu of a comprehensive bill, and he said border security would necessarily be the "first step," but when he was asked about other concerns his conservative members might have, he demurred.

"I’m sure we’ll hear about it today from our members," he said.

The statement of principles leaders were expected to unveil Thursday would focus on border and interior security, legalization with the requirement that immigrants pay fines and back taxes, and ensuring that Obama enforces any law on the books, according to lawmakers, congressional aides and outside advocates familiar with the draft.

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-gop-leaders-unveiling-immigration-reform-framework/

[karna11]

any hopes ?