US:The US Senate has taken an important step towards comprehensive immigration reform but the legislation's fate remains uncertain as senators prepare to debate more than 20 amendments.
The Senate voted 64-35 to proceed with a debate on the Bill, which would allow most of an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to remain in the US legally and eventually apply for citizenship.
Senator Edward Kennedy, one of the Bill's architects, said he was proud of yesterday's vote, describing it as "a major step forward" for America's national security, economy and humanity.
"We did the right thing today because we know the American people sent us here to act on our most urgent problems. We know they will not stand for small political factions getting in the way," he said.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) which sent thousands of faxes to senators urging support for the Bill, also welcomed the vote. "There is still a lot of work to be done this week but this is really good news," said ILIR chairman Niall O'Dowd.
The legislation still faces formidable obstacles in the Senate, including fierce opposition from Republican conservatives and attempts by critics in both parties to change its key elements.
The measure faces another crucial procedural vote as early as tomorrow that will also require the support of 60 senators and each of the two dozen proposed amendments has the capacity to alienate waverers. President George Bush, who has sought to persuade Republicans to support the legislation, said that Congress had "a historic opportunity" to replace an immigration system that is not working.
"In other words, this is a moment for people who have been elected to come together, focus on a problem, and show the American people that we can work together to fix the problem. If you dislike the status quo on immigration, then you ought to be supporting a comprehensive approach to making sure the system works," he said.
If the Bill overcomes all of this week's hurdles and retains enough support after it has been amended, it could be passed by the Senate on Friday.
If it fails, immigration reform is almost certainly off the legislative agenda until after the 2008 elections.
Even if the senate passes a Bill this week, the battle will pass to the House of Representatives. If the House passes a similar Bill, it must be reconciled with the Senate legislation before Mr Bush can sign it into law.
Conservative House Republicans made clear yesterday that they will resist any Bill similar to the legislation being debated in the Senate, which Indiana congressman Mark Souder described as "unimplementable".
Mr Souder said millions of illegal immigrants will be able to adjust their status immediately, even though many of the border enforcement measures will take years to have in place. He dismissed as insignificant $4.4 billion in extra funds Mr Bush has promised for enforcement.