Immigration reform remains stymied as Congress nears its final month of work before the fall election.
Both houses have begun month-long recesses, with the Senate set to reconvene Sept. 5 and the House of Representatives Sept. 6. Congressional leaders hope to adjourn by early October, giving members another month to campaign before the Nov. 7 election.
The Senate version, which was adopted in May, includes provisions intended to secure the border with Mexico but also would establish a guest-worker program and enable most illegal immigrants to enter a process to become citizens. Some House Republicans and other conservatives have charged it would provide amnesty to those who are in this country illegally.
The House version, which was passed in December, focuses on border security and enforcement against illegal immigrants and those who aid them. Hispanic leaders and Senate Democrats have sharply criticized it as lacking in compassion.
President George W. Bush, meanwhile, pressed Congress again Aug. 3 for a comprehensive solution that would seem to be more in line with the Senate-approved measure.
Southern Baptist ethicist Richard Land has continued to call for a measure that would combine the strongest aspects of both bills. (BP)
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