Immigration Deal in Peril

Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, flanked by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, and Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 10,2007, after a conference to discuss immigration reform. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson) (Lawrence Jackson - AP)

WASHINGTON -- Efforts to reach an immigration compromise faltered Thursday as Democrats and Republicans staked out divergent positions and prepared to blame each other for scuttling the best chance for a broad overhaul this year.

Talks continued on a possible deal that would tie residency for millions of illegal immigrants to tougher border security and a crackdown on employing undocumented workers. At the same time, however, Republicans and Democrats set the stage for a partisan battle next week that could squash any agreement.

Democrats plan to force a debate starting Tuesday on last year's Senate-passed immigration measure. Most Democrats supported that plan, which a majority of Republican senators opposed.

The move is designed to pressure Republicans to cut a deal or risk being blamed for undermining one.

President Bush is "going to have to tell his Republicans, 'I want a bill,'" said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "If we lose this opportunity to do immigration reform, (Bush) can't go around the country saying, 'I believe in comprehensive immigration reform.'"

GOP senators are promising to block the move, saying the series of secretive talks attended by the White House and a few Democrats needed more time to yield a compromise.

"It would be a shame if that arbitrary deadline resulted in the process coming to a halt," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., the No. 3 GOP leader.

The developing impasse could prevent the Senate from even opening debate next week on reshaping immigration laws.

The issue is fraught with political risks and rewards for both parties and is a priority for Bush. Absent a bipartisan deal, Democrats would almost certainly be unable to get the 60 votes they would need to overcome GOP opposition and bring up the bill, which was to be considered over the next two weeks.

Bush will continue to speak in favor of comprehensive changes in immigration policy and urge Congress to enact legislation he can sign into law this year, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said in a statement.

"Top members of his staff and Cabinet meet almost daily with senators from both parties to work out the details of a comprehensive immigration reform package that will attract broad bipartisan support," Stanzel said.

For some lawmakers, their appetite for a bargain is waning.