April 11, 2006 - Hispanics marched in North Carolina to protest a measure before Congress that would make illegal immigration a felony, and others missed class or boycotted their jobs. More than 200 people walked five miles along a highway in Smithfield, about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh in Johnston County, many carrying American flags and wearing white. Two weeks ago, students at Smithfield-Selma High School walked out of class in protest as the Senate began debating the legislation. Many of the students are U.S. citizens, but their parents or other relatives would face deportation under the measure. -AP
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Apr 9, 2006 - Rising anxiety has pushed immigration close to the economy in the public's view of the most important problems facing this country, according to an AP-Ipsos poll. Those issues ranked slightly behind war in Iraq and elsewhere. Immigration's rise in the latest survey about the nation's top problems suggests the public is keeping close watch on the immigration debate in Congress and reaction around the country. By Will Lester, AP Read Poll: Immigration worries growingApr 7, 2006 - The Senate sidetracked sweeping immigration legislation Friday amid partisan recriminations, leaving in doubt prospects for passage of a measure that offered the hope of citizenship to millions of men, women and children living in the United States illegally. The bill gained only 38 votes on a key procedural test, far short of the 60 needed to advance. The vote marked a turnabout from Thursday, when the Senate's two leaders had both hailed a last-minute compromise as a breakthrough in the campaign to enact the most far-reaching changes in immigration law in two decades. by Suzanne Gamboa Apr 6, 2006 - A Senate breakthrough on an immigration bill praised by leaders in both parties appeared endangered by partisan bickering over amendments from opponents. Both sides acknowledged that if the Senate is going to pass a bill, it might not occur until Congress returns from a two-week Easter recess. Republicans appeared united in blocking a final vote on a compromise proposal worked out among immigration leaders in the two parties until Democrats allow votes on amendments by opponents. A test vote was scheduled Friday on the compromise, as well as a bill by Majority Leader Bill Frist. Democrats said the amendments would undermine the immigration compromise that offered hope for American citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants. "I know the reality, tomorrow we cannot finish it," the assistant Democratic leader, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said late Thursday. Supporters of the compromise claimed 70 votes and said they could defeat all of the amendments offered by opponents. Republicans, however, closed ranks in insisting that at least some of those amendments get votes. Both sides indicated the Senate would complete the bill when Congress returns from the recess that begins Monday. By Suzanne Gamboa Read Partisan bickering delays immigration deal
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