The Senate voted early Friday not to end debate on a compromise that was reached Thursday, after procedural disagreements emerged. That leaves the prospect of immigration reform this year in doubt.
Prior to the vote President George W Bush said 'an immigration system that forces people into the shadows of our society, or leaves them prey to criminals is a system that needs to be changed.'
There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US, with hundreds of thousands trying to make their way to the country each year. The most contentious part of the reform proposal is what should happen to those that are already here.
'I'm confident that we can change our immigration system in ways that secures our border, respects the rule of law, and, as importantly, upholds the decency of our country,' Bush said.
Following the vote, proponents of the compromise vowed not to give up on a bill that would tighten border security and offer work permits to some illegal immigrants already in the US - with the prospect of eventual citizenship.
'This fight is not over,' said Republican Senator John McCain, who vowed to bring the legislation up again and again until it is passed.
McCain was joined by Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy who said those lawmakers determined to pass comprehensive immigration reform 'are not going to give up, [and] we're not going to give in.'
A bipartisan group of lawmakers had originally proposed letting all illegal immigrants earn US citizenship eventually, but hardliners reject anything that smacks of an amnesty.
Lawmakers on Thursday announced a 'breakthrough' deal that would have put illegal immigrants in three groups.
Those who have been in the US for more than five years would be allowed to stay and have to fulfil certain requirements to eventually become citizens, such as paying a fine and back taxes, learning English and passing a criminal background check.
Those who have been in the country for less than five but more than two years would have to leave, but would be allowed to re-enter as temporary workers with a chance of becoming US citizens in the future.
Illegal immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years would be required to leave, but could still apply for work permits along with all other people hoping to work in the US.
Even if a bill passes when lawmakers return from Easter recess, Senate negotiators will have to iron out differences with leaders of the House of Representatives, which approved a much tougher version of immigration reform in December.
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