English language still to be tackled in immigration debate

By SUZANNE GAMBOA
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A broad bill letting illegal immigrants stay in the United States is clearing hurdle after hurdle toward Senate passage next week as House Republicans turn against President Bush and dig in their heels against what they deride as "amnesty" for millions of lawbreakers.

Supporters deflected an assault on what is considered the heart of the bill - a plan to grant millions of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship - while accepting conservatives' calls for hundreds of miles of new fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Bush, meanwhile, was traveling Thursday to a hot spot of illegal border crossings, Yuma, Ariz., in an attempt to placate critics who label his approach for dealing with the 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country as amnesty.

Bush has said repeatedly he does not support amnesty, a position he staked out again Wednesday night before wealthy GOP donors.

"America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society and we don't have to choose between the two," the president said.