Immigration's Tough Road Ahead

From the Washington Post: 

...During a 7¹/₂-hour hearing, the Judiciary Committee wrestled over 32 proposed changes focused on border security and control as the committee began a long and grueling amendment process that is expect to last weeks.

Proponents managed to resist the most significant changes as a majority of senators voted to reject proposals from GOP members that would require the government to build 700 miles of double-layered fencing and maintain complete operational control of the entire southern border before allowing illegal immigrants to gain citizenship. 

As each proposal was defeated, frustration mounted and tempers flared among the most conservative Republicans. 

“The committee has voted down every serious border security amendment presented,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who lost his bid to scrap the legislation’s entire border-control section and replace it with his own. “This committee has consistently rejected any attempt to put real teeth in it, and if it does not have that, in my opinion, this bill will not pass...”

...Many Republicans have argued that [border security measures currently in the bill are] not enough, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who helped negotiate the bill, has said he agrees that border provisions must be strengthened for the legislation to have a chance in the GOP-controlled House...