US Congress debates immigration bills
Ap, Washington
Congress took up legislation to require voters to show proof of citizenship and to build a 700 mile fence along the Mexican border as Republicans sharpened their attacks on illegal immigration seven weeks before the midterm elections. The House of Representatives debate on a new photo ID plan for voters, and Senate action on the fence, were part of a get-tough policy on illegal immigrants that Republicans have taken in the wake of failure to agree on broader legislation that would set a path for undocumented workers to attain US citizenship. House Republican leaders have insisted that tighter borders and tougher laws must precede immigration reform. The House passed the fence bill last week and plans to vote on Thursday on bills that will increase penalties for those building tunnels under the border, make it easier to detain and deport immigrant gang members and criminals, and clarify the ability of state and local law enforcement officers to detain illegal immigrants.
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