Immigration debate: Q&A with Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Do you think that the stark difference between the Senate and House bills reveals a larger split between House and Senate Republicans?
A: This is a really a bipartisan issue. It might not appear that way from the way the debate is going. But, for example, there are liberal Democrats, like the two senators from North Dakota, who are very strongly opposed to amnesty and a guest-worker program. They are also very strongly in favor of improved border security.
What do you think of the proposal put forth by Rep. Mike Pence, Republican of Indiana, that is getting a lot of attention? It is a compromise that would provide an incentive for illegal immigrants to leave the country and then apply for guest-worker visas in the United States.
A: I have not reviewed the Pence proposal. The thing is that the conference committee will be dealing with the House bill and the Senate bill as starters. The Senate has passed a bill; the House has passed its version of a bill. But the Pence bill itself has passed neither house.
Do you think immigration will be a key issue in the upcoming elections?
A: How this works out will determine whether it will be a key issue in November. We still have a little more than five months before the election, and five months in the political season is kind of like centuries in history.
If no compromise is reached, how will this reflect on Congress?
A: I am committed to working hard to try to reach a compromise that solves the problem. On the other hand, I don't want to put my name on a bill that makes the problem worse.
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