Senator John Cornyn, who is pushing an amendment guaranteeing federal reimbursement for immigrant detentions. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite.)
On Tuesday evening, the Senate Judiciary Committee released amendments to the immigration bill as the legislation begins its mark-up phase.
One of the most closely watched amendments, offered by Democrats, will be a measure for US citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for green cards. While pundits say the LGBT-related amendments may determine the fate of the bill, Republicans are also sponsoring amendments that could have far-reaching ramifications.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has an amendment to reimburse "states and municipalities for costs incurred in incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens." By guaranteeing federal money for immigrant detention, Cornyn's amendment could incentivize the incarceration of immigrants in both private and public prisons. The amendment even provides for the federal government to make prompt payments: "Any funds awarded to a State or a political subdivision of a State, including a municipality, for a fiscal year under this subsection shall be distributed to such State or political subdivision no later than 120 days after the last day of the application period for assistance."
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