June 26, 2007 | WASHINGTON -- Around lunchtime Tuesday -- as busboys without legal visas and dishwashers without work permits brace for restaurant rush hour -- the Senate will vote on the fate of all those who live in the shadows fearing an immigration raid.

Unless there are 60 votes to stave off a conservative Republican filibuster, the immigration bill, which has already been through one near-death experience, will be formally interred in the legislative cemetery for the remainder of the Bush administration. Buried with it will be the hopes of finding a path to legality and eventual citizenship for the estimated 12 million immigrants residing in the United State illegally.
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Indeed. Its the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead