House set to approve Democrats’ immigration bills

WASHINGTON ( AP) — Democrats seemed poised to claim victory Thursday in the House's first votes this year on immigration, but moving legislation on the divisive issue all the way through Congress is an uphill fight.

With the blessing of President Joe Biden, the House was set to vote on one bill clearing a path for over 2 million young "Dreamer" immigrants and others to gain legal status and a chance for citizenship. A second measure would do the same for around 1 million immigrant farm workers. Both seemed certain to pass.

White House statements endorsing both measures noted that many immigrants in the U.S. illegally have been essential workers during the pandemic. It said approving the legislation would "deliver much needed economic security and stability to millions of people who currently face perpetual uncertainty and vulnerability."

But party divisions and solid Republican opposition mean pushing legislation on the issue through the Senate remains difficult, especially for Biden's goal of a sweeping measure helping all 11 million immigrants in the U. S. illegally become citizens. The partisan battle shows little promise of easing before next year's elections, when Republicans could use it in their effort to regain House and Senate control.

Work on the legislation comes as the number of migrants attempting to cross the border has been growing since April, with the 100,441 reported last month the highest level since March 2019. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Tuesday that figure is on track to reach a 20-year high.

Scores of groups supporting the bills include the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. Among those arrayed in opposition is the conservative Heritage Action for America.