Click to play videoWashington: It could get difficult for Indians hoping to migrate to America. The controversial US immigration bill has been revived in the Senate.
It was voted 64-35 on Tuesday and debate on the bill is set to resume. The legislation, which is supported by President George W Bush, would bring in tighter border controls.
But it would also offer 12 million illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
The bill failed a crucial vote in the Senate earlier this month as many Republicans feel it compromises on border security.
The amended bill now sets aside an additional 4.45 billion dollars for border security. But the compromise may not be enough.
President Bush has now personally appealed to his party to back the legislation.
“I want to thank you for working hard. We have a couple of hard days ahead of us to get through the first stage of the process and then of course, once successful in the senate, we'll be reconvening to figure out get the bill out of the house. It is an important piece of legislation. Its an important time to act for the sake of the country,” he said.
“We know that there's a long debate ahead when it comes to comprehensive immigration reform. But we are certainly pleased with the early vote on motion to proceed,” said White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow.
But skepticism runs deep among conservative Republicans including Texas Senator John Cornyn. He voted not to move forward with debate questioning whether the government would make good on its pledges to crack down on illegal immigrants.
But the president showed no signs of backing away from a guest worker program.
“It's important for our fellow citizens to understand that in order to enforce the border, there has to be a way for people to come to our country on a temporary basis to do work Americans aren't doing.
He also says he remains committed to an earned path to citizenship for illegal immigrants which is a highly controversial proposal that critics deride as amnesty.
Behind the scenes, aides say the President continues to call and personally lobby lawmakers on the issue.
The White House is focusing on defeating so-called 'poison pills' -- amendments designed to kill the legislation altogether.
Officials hope to push the bill through the senate before lawmakers leave for the July 4 recess.
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