Senators Near Deal on Immigration Reform

Comprehensive immigration reform has been stuck in limbo for years, but President Obama's domination of the ever-growing Latino vote last fall seems to have changed that, reports the Washington Post. It says a group of six senators from both parties—including Florida's Marco Rubio—is close to the broad strokes of a deal. Among other things, it would "normalize" the status of the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants now in the country and allow those without criminal records to get work permits.

“It’s time to move forward on this," says John McCain, another member of the group. Tougher border control and stricter employee ID checks also are expected, but the Post says it's not clear whether the group will tackle the toughest problem—whether to let illegals pursue full citizenship, and, if so, how to go about it. (For example, should immigrants who came here illegally go to the back of the line behind those who followed the rules?) If all goes well, the measure could clear the Senate by summer, and bipartisan support should give it a better chance in the House. (More immigration reform stories.)