GOP Backs Immigrant Legalization

At the House Republican retreat on Thursday, leaders announced a six-principle plan for immigration reform that would create a "zero tolerance" border security policy, allow eventual citizenship for "DREAMers," and possibly grant legal status to undocumented immigrants. The draft says immigrants who, among other things, "pass rigorous background checks, pay significant fines and back taxes, develop proficiency in English and American civics," could obtain legal status (though it's unclear how). DREAMers, meanwhile, are given a clear path to citizenship if they're eligible. On Thursday, the House rejected the immigration bill passed by the Senate last year. This new proposal is unlikely to see the floor until June.