More house republican is joining the senate comprehensive approach

[jean2005]

As he watched tens of thousands of marchers in the streets of Phoenix, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) noted that the demonstration kicked off with a rendition of the national anthem amid a sea of U.S. flags. Shadegg voted for the House bill, but he said yesterday's orderly, patriotic marches should help the cause of lawmakers from both parties who want to temper the bill and add an avenue to legal employment. "Everybody is frankly astounded at the numbers of individuals who are willing to stand up and say they are here illegally," said Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), whose suburban district is not far from Atlanta, where 50,000 marched. "If nothing else can give a picture of why we need to act rapidly, it's this."

Beyond admiration for the marchers and the belief that the marches will spur action, lawmakers are divided over where that action should lead. But House Republicans seem to be softening their opposition to offering illegal immigrants lawful employment or even citizenship.

[jean2005]

As he watched tens of thousands of marchers in the streets of Phoenix, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) noted that the demonstration kicked off with a rendition of the national anthem amid a sea of U.S. flags. Shadegg voted for the House bill, but he said yesterday's orderly, patriotic marches should help the cause of lawmakers from both parties who want to temper the bill and add an avenue to legal employment. "Everybody is frankly astounded at the numbers of individuals who are willing to stand up and say they are here illegally," said Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), whose suburban district is not far from Atlanta, where 50,000 marched. "If nothing else can give a picture of why we need to act rapidly, it's this."

Beyond admiration for the marchers and the belief that the marches will spur action, lawmakers are divided over where that action should lead. But House Republicans seem to be softening their opposition to offering illegal immigrants lawful employment or even citizenship.

[jean2005]

"Personally, my views won't change just because somebody takes to the street with a sign, no matter how many there are. I have my principles," said Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), who backed the House bill. He added, however, that "a guest-worker program is part of the solution, not part of the problem."

[jean2005]

Even Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), the firebrand leader of the movement to crack down on illegal immigration, struck a defensive tone. "Today's rallies show how entrenched the illegal alien lobby has become over the last several years," he said. "The iron triangle of illegal employers, foreign governments and groups like La Raza puts tremendous pressure on our elected officials to violate the desires of law-abiding Americans and to grant amnesty."
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