Outlook brightens for immigration fix

But guest-worker legislation may hit big barrier as organized labor weighs in

By Dave Montgomery

MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

WASHINGTON — President Bush's chances of securing a comprehensive immigration overhaul have brightened considerably in the new Democratic-controlled Congress, but resistance from organized labor — one of the Democratic Party's most loyal constituencies — could complicate those efforts.

The AFL-CIO, which represents 53 unions with more than 9 million members, is ratcheting up opposition to a temporary guest-worker program, a key element of Bush's immigration plan. At the same time, two powerful unions in a breakaway labor coalition, Change to Win, have tended to support the provision.

The divisions within labor were evident during the contentious debate over immigration in the previous Republican-controlled Congress. But they take on heightened significance as Democrats assume control of the 110th Congress and begin shaping the legislative agenda.

Organized labor is a bedrock of the Democratic coalition and helped drive Democrats' takeover of Congress in November's elections.