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Immigration bill survives key Senate hurdle
Amendment would boost fines on employers who hire illegal immigrants
By William L. Watts, MarketWatch
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Controversial legislation that would overhaul U.S. immigration laws and put some of the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants on a path toward citizenship survived a crucial procedural vote Wednesday.The Senate voted 73-25 to limit debate on the immigration bill, 13 more than needed. That sets the stage for a vote on final passage by late Thursday.
The bill has survived more than a week of often intense and emotional debate, with the support of a fragile, bipartisan coalition. The centerpiece of the compromise is a three-tiered plan that would allow illegal immigrants who have been in the country for at least five years to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after paying fines, back-taxes and learning English.