Frist Plans to Push for Reform

Majority Leader Bill Frist intends to seek Senate passage ofimmigration legislation by Memorial Day, hoping to revive a bill that tightensborder security and gives millions of illegal immigrants a chance atcitizenship, Republican leadership aides said today.

In a gesture to conservative critics of the measure, Frist and otherRepublicans also intend to seek roughly $2 billion in immediate additionalspending for border protection.

The aides said the money would allow for training of Border Patrol agents,construction of detention facilities for immigrants caught entering the countryillegally, the purchase of helicopters and surveillance aircraft andconstruction of a fence in high-traffic areas.

The aides spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empta formal announcement.

Frist’s decision signals a determination by Republicans to press ahead towardpassage of election-year legislation. The issue has triggered large, peacefulstreet protests by immigrants’ rights supporters as well as internal disputesin both political parties and partisan bickering.

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