House Republicans are set for a crucial conference-wide meeting on immigration Wednesday, with advocates from across the political spectrum trying to persuade the GOP party on how to handle President Obama’s top domestic priority. Party leaders scheduled the private session to determine a way forward on an issue that has divided the GOP. The meeting comes as lines are hardening on the issue following the passage of bipartisan Senate legislation, dimming the prospects for a final bill by the end of the year.
While congressional Democrats emerged from their own meeting Tuesday insistent that a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants be part of any House proposal, Republican leaders have also laid down more conditions in recent weeks. [Read more…]