Senate resurrects immigration bill

Senate resurrects
immigration bill
Plan opposed by most Americans
wins crucial vote to move forward

Backers of the controversial immigration reform bill in the Senate got the 60 votes they needed to clear procedural hurdles and resurrect the bill today.

Two weeks ago, only 45 senators supported a vote for cloture that would cut off debate and proceed to a vote.

Despite a vigorous White House effort to rally support for the bill, only 22 percent of Americans favor it, according to a new national survey.

The plan would provide a path to legal status for the estimated 12-20 million illegal aliens now in the U.S. Opponents call the provision amnesty, because it allows illegals to acquire a "probationary" visa after only a quick, 24-hour background check. The White House contends the carefully crafted compromise would focus first on enforcement, allowing for more Border Patrol agents, more cameras and other technologies.