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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday challenged President Barack Obama's central goal for immigration reform that would put 11 million undocumented residents on a path to citizenship, adding fresh doubts on whether legislation can be passed this year. During a kick-off hearing, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte explored a possible "middle ground" between the current U.S. policy of deporting those who have come to the United States illegally and of placing them on a path to citizenship, as Obama has demanded. The hearing was the panel's first since last November's elections when Hispanic-Americans voted in droves for Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress. Those election results caused Republicans to rethink their anti-immigration stances, which were highlighted by presidential candidate Mitt Romney's urging that illegal residents should simply "self-deport." A standoff over Democrats' goal of providing citizenship hopes for the immigrants living illegally in the United States could torpedo reform efforts in this Congress. Still, many Republicans expressed concerns about rewarding illegal immigrants with eventual citizenship, which they often decry as an "amnesty." House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, in a speech to the conservative American Enterprise Institute, noted, "While we are a nation that allows anyone to start anew, we are also a nation of laws." Cantor of Virginia is the second-ranking House Republican and has a say in which bills are debated before the full House. At the House Judiciary hearing, Goodlatte, another Virginia Republican, asked, "Are there options to consider between the extremes of mass deportation and pathway to citizenship?" Julian Castro, the Democratic mayor of San Antonio, Texas, who testified before Goodlatte's panel, responded: "I believe, as the president has pointed out ... that a path to citizenship is the best option" for the 11 million, many of whom have lived in the United States for a decade or more. Some Republicans have sketched out more modest steps in dealing with illegal immigrants who live under the threat of deportation. Instead of putting them in line for citizenship, they have suggested a permanent work visa system. But last week, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, told Reuters legislation could not be enacted unless it contains a path to full citizenship. During Tuesday's House committee hearing, Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren of California warned: "Partial legalization, as some are suggesting, is a dangerous path and we need only look at France and Germany to see how unwise it is to create a permanent underclass" in the United States. A PIECEMEAL APPROACH Other Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee raised additional ideas that could complicate comprehensive immigration reform this year, or make it impossible. Representative Spencer Bachus, an Alabama Republican, suggested splitting immigration reform into pieces so that the "more toxic and contentious issue" of citizenship for the 11 million was separated from reforms that have more widespread support. Those reforms include efforts to encourage foreigners earning advanced degrees in mathematics, engineering and science at American universities to stay in the United States and work for American companies. Cantor also hinted at a piecemeal approach, rather than the comprehensive action that Obama and his fellow Democrats want. He called for starting with legalization and citizenship for children who were brought illegally into the United States by their parents, an action that Obama last summer approved temporarily. "One of the great founding principles of our country was that children would not be punished for the mistakes of their parents," Cantor said. While Cantor's call marked movement for Republicans, many of whom opposed citizenship for the youths, it also falls well short of Obama's drive for broader legislation. A bipartisan group of senators last week unveiled a comprehensive plan that they hope to translate into legislation in coming weeks. Major holes in their outline included the kind of system that would be created for allowing future visa applicants. Senate Democrats hope to pass a comprehensive bill by mid-year with a large, bipartisan vote that could improve chances for passage of a bill in the Republican-controlled House. But House Republican leaders have not decided on whether they would pursue a major reform bill this year, according to one aide. Goodlatte acknowledged that U.S. immigration laws were badly in need of repair, but he warned against rushing to enact an immigration bill. Congress, he said, "needs to take the time to learn from the past so that our efforts to reform our immigration laws do not repeat the same mistakes." He added that there were many questions about how a "large-scale legalization program would work, what it would cost and how it would prevent illegal immigration in the future." Reformers and minority groups are hoping the legislative effort gets a boost from conservative Representative Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, the new chairman of the House's immigration subcommittee. On Tuesday, Gowdy captured the attention of the crowded House hearing room when he detailed the story of a 12-year-old immigrant from Sierra Leone whose hands were cut off by soldiers with machetes during the civil war in her country. She "tried to run, tried to hide, asked God to let her die," Gowdy said. But, like Cantor, in a reference to those who have crossed into the United States illegally, Gowdy also warned that the federal government must enforce the laws it has on the books. "What we cannot become is a nation where the law is enforced selectively, or not at all," Gowdy said. (Editing by Alistair Bell and Vicki Allen) Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-lobby-immigration-reform-amid-citizenship-dispute-001714316--business.html;_ylt=AnH_QToXm2vnr.alL07bXp0JVux_;_ylu=X3oDMTIyNWRka2MyBG1pdANBVFQgSG9tZSBXaWRnZXRyb24gVGVzdCAxBHBvcwMxMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFBdHRXaWRnZXRyb25Bc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Tuesday the nation's immigration system is "in desperate need of repair" as he opened Congress' first hearing this year on immigration. Whether Congress will be able to agree on how to fix it remained unclear. The session came as President Barack Obama pushes for swift action to pass immigration legislation and as bipartisan Senate negotiators work to craft a bill. But in a sign of the difficulties to come, the Judiciary chairman, Republican Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, cautioned against a "rush to judgment" and said each piece of the issue must be examined in detail. Goodlatte said there are lots of questions about how any large-scale legalization program would work, how much it would cost and how it would prevent illegal immigration in future. Obama supports a pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants already in the country, something many Republicans oppose. Goodlatte questioned whether another approach might be possible: "Are there options we should consider between the extremes of mass deportation and a pathway to citizenship for those not lawfully present in the United States?" he asked. His question underscored the discomfort of many majority House Republicans with granting eventual citizenship to illegal immigrants, something conservatives often decry as amnesty. At one point the hearing was interrupted by protesters, apparently young illegal immigrants known as "DREAMers" brought to the country as children, who shouted "undocumented and unafraid!" before being led out. Yet Tuesday's hearing, which focused on fixing the legal immigration system and on enforcement, was notable for the generally measured tone from some Republicans known for strong anti-immigration positions. Several questioned whether there's a way short of citizenship to deal with illegal immigrants, and others on the panel agreed on the need to allow more high-skilled workers to enter the country, a priority for technology companies. "Let's not let the more contentious issues and the idea of comprehensive reform prevent us from passing something," said Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala. It was part of a larger shift by Republicans who have begun to embrace action on immigration reform in the wake of the November elections in which large proportions of Hispanic voters supported Obama, helping him win re-election. Some GOP leaders have concluded that softening their views on immigration is becoming a political necessity. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., delivered a speech Tuesday embracing "an opportunity for legal residence and citizenship for those who were brought to this country as children and who know no other home." It appeared to be a change for Cantor, who voted against DREAM Act legislation to allow a path to citizenship for certain immigrants brought here as youths. Source: http://news.yahoo.com/house-opens-first-immigration-hearing-161659660--politics.html;_ylt=AkrcMW5uRVFWlzW4au1NQa4JVux_;_ylu=X3oDMTIydDc2NGNpBG1pdANBVFQgSG9tZSBXaWRnZXRyb24gVGVzdCAxBHBvcwMxMwRzZWMDTWVkaWFBdHRXaWRnZXRyb25Bc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

2nd phase of Dream Act goes too far U-T San Diego With that, non-legal residents in this state are now eligible for assistance such as community college fee waivers, Cal Grants and similar aid, with awards of up to $12,200 a year. To be eligible for the money, students must graduate from a California ... and more » View the full article

Dream Act would be nightmare for America Washington Times We have kids coming out of high schools and colleges who can't find jobs, and the competition will become even tougher if President Obama's arrogant and unconstitutional Dream Act is enacted. It is bothersome that Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican ... Opinion | The 'DREAM Act' negates real, legal American DreamMiami Student Dream Act on the way?Amsterdam News all 3 news articles » View the full article

Capitol Digest: Tax code coupling, education reform, DREAM Act Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier DREAM ACT: Legislation proposed by Senate Democrats to grant in-state tuition rates for children of undocumented immigrants probably won't go very far in the GOP-led Iowa House if it makes it that far, House Speaker Kraig Paulsen said Thursday. and more » View the full article

Plan linking Hurricane Sandy funds to DREAM Act triggers clash between Staten ... SILive.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The furor over GOP Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis' linkage of DREAM Act legislation and Hurricane Sandy victims has sparked an open battle with one of her Staten Island colleagues. In a strongly worded public condemnation ... and more » View the full article

WTVR Virginia DREAM Act deferred Daily Press (blog) Known as the Virginia DREAM Act the legislation would have allowed undocumented students who have achived federal deferred-action status; attended high school in Virginia for at least three years and graduated; whose parents have paid Virginia income ... Virginia 'Dream Act' killed by Senate CommitteeWTVR Virginia Dream Act goes down to defeat in committeeAugusta Free Press all 6 news articles » View the full article

Opinion | The 'DREAM Act' negates real, legal American Dream Miami Student The Dream Act is a legislative proposal, which would allow immigrants under the age of 35 who have come to the U.S. illegally to apply for legal status and citizenship. Only those immigrants who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 can apply for legal ... View the full article

WTVR Virginia 'Dream Act' killed by Senate Committee WTVR RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — Legislation that would have provided in-state tuition to the children of some illegal immigrants has been killed by lawmakers at the General Assembly. The Senate Education Committee shot down both Senator Donald McEachin's ... and more » View the full article

Dream Act on the way? Amsterdam News Maybe the notion of bipartisan cooperation isn't just wishful thinking. On Monday, eight senators met and hammered out a plan that would provide undocumented immigrants immediate but provisional status to live and work in America. Along with the ... View the full article

Dream Act gives away privileges of our country Syracuse.com (blog) ... what our ancestors built and give away what they treasured to an illegal immigrant population unwilling to pay the price of admission to this still-great country. The Dream Act before our state Legislature has a Downstate ''silver'' lining that we ... View the full article

WAMU DREAM Act Fails In Virginia State Senate WAMU The Virginia Senate Education Committee defeated a DREAM Act bill put before it today. The bill, which was just yesterday reported out of a legislative committee in the commonwealth for the first time in five years, would have allowed some undocumented ... and more » View the full article

If the DREAM Act kids tug at Brewer's heart, then she ought to quit denying ... Tucson Citizen I really want to believe that the Dream Act kids tug at her heart! Given that she came out on 8/15/12, the day DACA commenced, to deny driver's licenses to Dreamers really convinces me that her heart is hardened. If her heart is so touched by the ... and more » View the full article

WAMU DREAM Act Moves Forward In Virginia WAMU The DREAM Act is closer to reality in Virginia, where lawmakers from both parties have unanimously voted to put the measure on a path to a full vote by the House of delegates. For first time in five years, a DREAM Act bill — which would grant ... View the full article

Dream Act change would be ill-timed Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online For months, Maryland has been debating the Dream Act, which allows students, who cannot provide documents that they are in the country legally, to pay in-state tuition at the state's colleges and universities. After five years of attempts, the General ... View the full article

Va. 'Dream Act' bill clears House panel Washington Post (blog) Virginia's version of the Dream Act cleared a House subcommittee Tuesday with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill will allow undocumented students who graduate from commonwealth high schools to pay in-state tuition rates at Virginia colleges and ... and more » View the full article

Columbia Grad Becomes First Latino DACA Recipient To Win Rhodes Scholarship The National MemoView the full article

NBC Latino Maryland's Dream Act Helped Immigration Reform Gain Momentum NBC4 Washington (blog) Maryland's Dream Act helped create the momentum that led to the renewed immigration reform effort. A bipartisan group of senators Monday unveiled the most ambitious immigration reform package since the last effort fell apart in 2007, and Tuesday ... Civil and labor groups: “Let's organize for immigration reform”NBC Latino all 2 news articles » View the full article

San Francisco Chronicle DREAM Act fight pits immigrants vs. Sandy victims Legislative Gazette The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act proposed by Assemblyman Francisco Moya, D-Queens, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, came under recent attack by its opponents in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. A DREAM Within Reach?Inside Higher Ed CITY DESK: When it comes to the DREAM Act -- wake up New York!Niagara Gazette New York can't afford to support Dream ActSyracuse.com (blog) all 5 news articles » View the full article

Two senators at the center of negotiations over comprehensive immigration reform, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said on Sunday that a pathway to citizenship is an essential component of a comprehensive reform bill. “That has to be also part of it,” McCain told ABC News’ Martha Raddatz on “This Week” when asked whether a pathway to citizenship would be a component of reform. “There’s a new appreciation on both sides of the aisle including, maybe more importantly on the Republican side of the aisle, that we have to enact comprehensive immigration reform.” McCain said that a small group of Senators will release the principles of a comprehensive, not “piecemeal,” reform bill this week. “I’m very pleased with the progress,” McCain said. “It’s not that much different from what we tried to do in 2007.” Read a full transcript of the interview with Sens. McCain and Menendez HERE. Menendez, who met with President Obama on Friday along with other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus leadership, said that the president expressed his full commitment to reform. “The president made it very clear in that discussion that this was a top legislative priority for him in this session of the Congress and that he expects to work with all of us in an effort to achieve that goal and he’s fully committed to it.” He added that a pathway to “earned legalization” is an “essential element” of an immigration reform bill. “First, Americans support it in poll after poll. Secondly, Latino voters expect it. Thirdly Democrats want it. And fourth Republicans need it,” Menendez said. McCain added that he believes Obama’s use of the presidential podium on behalf of immigration reform at an event in Las Vegas planned for Tuesday will aid efforts to pass a bill. “I think it helps,” McCain said. “I think its important that we all work together on this.” “Believe it or not, I see a glimmer of bipartisanship out there,” he added. Source: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/senate-immigration-proposal-to-include-pathway-to-citizenship/

(Reuters) - Leading Democratic and Republican senators said on Sunday there were encouraging signs in the push to overhaul U.S. immigration laws - a top priority for President Obama's second term - and they would introduce their plan this week. With Obama set to begin his push for immigration reform with a speech in Las Vegas on Tuesday, a group of three Democratic and three Republican senators have been working for weeks on a plan. One of those senators, Republican John McCain of the border state of Arizona, said on ABC's "This Week" program that the group still had hard work ahead but that he was pleased with the progress and that the principles of a comprehensive plan would be put forth this week. McCain said the plan was much like a 2007 immigration proposal that died during the presidency of George W. Bush. That plan included a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, tighter borders, a guest worker program and requirements for employers to verify workers' immigration status. The immigration issue was largely pushed aside during Obama's first term as economic concerns weighed more heavily, but the president, who had overwhelming backing from Hispanic voters in his 2012 re-election, cited it as part of his agenda when sworn in for a second term last week. McCain said the political aspect of immigration reform should sway any Republicans who object to a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. "We are losing dramatically the Hispanic vote, which we think should be ours, for a variety of reasons, and we've got to understand that," he said. McCain said change also was needed because "we can't go on forever with 11 million people living in this country in the shadows in an illegal status. We cannot forever have children who were born here, who were brought here by their parents when they were small children, to live in the shadows, as well." Democrat Dick Durbin of Illinois, another member of the six-person Senate group, said on "Fox News Sunday" that work remained to be done but that the progress was encouraging. "We are trying work our way through some very difficult issues but we are committed to a comprehensive approach to finally in this country having an immigration law that we can live with," he said. "We have virtually been going for maybe 25 years without a clear statement about immigration policy. That's unacceptable in this nation of immigrants." Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey who is also a member of the immigration group, said on "This Week" that he was cautiously optimistic because of the bipartisan spirit that has prevailed in the recent reform effort. "I see things that were once off the table for agreement and discussion being on the table with a serious pathway forward," he said. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, a Republican who is not a member of the group, said he had spoken with one of its members, who said he was "very optimistic" about reform. Source: www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/27/us-usa-immigration-congress-idUSBRE90Q0EV20130127

Below is the outline of the plan to overhaul the nation's immigration system proposed by a bipartisan group of senators. The Senate deal was agreed to by: Democrats Charles Schumer of New York, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Michael Bennet of Colorado; and Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida and Jeff Flake of Arizona. Read as much as you can http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/01/28/immigration-proposal-senate/1870227/

San Francisco Chronicle Dream Act students apply for college aid San Francisco Chronicle At this time every year, parents of college-bound 12th-graders pack high school auditoriums and cafeterias to learn about the confusing and confounding process of applying for financial aid. This year, undocumented immigrants are eager to find a seat. Maryland Dream Act loophole increases costs for some Montgomery high ...Washington Business Journal CITY DESK: When it comes to the DREAM Act -- wake up New York!Niagara Gazette New York can't afford to support Dream ActSyracuse.com (blog) Inside Higher Ed all 4 news articles » View the full article

San Francisco Chronicle Dream Act students apply for college aid San Francisco Chronicle For the first time, those families will be able to apply for state financial aid under the controversial California Dream Act. While federal funding is still out of reach, the state measure now allows children who were brought to the country illegally ... View the full article

Maryland Dream Act loophole increases costs for some Montgomery high ... Washington Post The Maryland Dream Act that voters approved in November to increase undocumented immigrants' access to college will significantly raise tuition for a group of students who attend Montgomery College and could prevent some of them from starting class ... View the full article