CASPER, Wyo.-
Both of Wyoming’s senators say they’re concerned about a compromise immigration bill that has White House backing.
The Senate is scheduled to begin debate on the far-reaching immigration overhaul Monday.
The bill could grant legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the country. The measure also would boost border security and create an electronic employment verification system.
A small, bipartisan group of senators hammered out the compromise with administration officials.
“This ‘compromise bill’ would do lasting damage to our nation, to taxpayers and bona fide citizens,” said Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.
Thomas spokesman Cameron Hardy said he and other senators might offer a substitute bill that doesn’t grant what the senator sees as amnesty. Hardy said Thomas also might offer changes to either strike the amnesty provisions or make them contingent upon other requirements, such as certification that the nation’s borders are secure.
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said he was still sorting through the proposal but would not support amnesty.
“I will not support legislation that rewards illegal immigrants while passing by those who are standing in line, those who are following the rules and trying to enter this country legally,” Enzi said in a release.
Enzi said the “first order of business” is border security and that he may support more resources for that.
“We need to know who is coming in and if they aren’t coming here legally they should be sent home,” he said.
