Debate Over ‘Amnesty’ Represents Immigration Fault Line
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A Senate plan to rewrite U.S. immigration law has stoked a years-old debate over allowing undocumented residents a chance to become citizens, a measure viewed by opponents as rewarding lawbreakers with “amnesty” and undercutting American workers.
Though Republican opposition to creating a citizenship path for the nation’s estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants has waned since the November election, the issue still divides the party. Some lawmakers and interest groups criticized the bipartisan Senate plan released yesterday, centering on their opposition to amnesty for those in the country illegally.