Democratic California Senator Dianne Feinstein is working with members of the Judiciary Committee to pass a controversial immigration reform bill to the floor by the end of the month. Jill Morrison reports from Capitol Hill.
The legislation aims to strengthen border security, increase penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants and create a controversial guest worker program. Feinstein's succeeded in adding a provision to protect asylum seekers who've used fake documents to the U.S.
But the Senator says the bill will stand or fail on what is done with illegal immigrants already in the U.S.
Feinstein: "If we legalize everybody then I can't vote for the bill. On the other hand, if criminalize everyone that already here, I think that's a problem too."
That's why the most contentious debate is expected over temporary guest worker programs. Feinstein has opposed them, but says she may introduce a plan that is limited to the agricultural industry next week. From Capitol Hill, Jill Morrison, KPBS News.
