Immigration, Border Security | featured news

The bipartisan coalition behind a contentious overhaul of immigration laws stuck together on a critical early series of test votes Thursday, turning back challenges from conservative critics as the Senate Judiciary Committee refined legislation to secure the nation's borders and offer eventual citizenship to millions living illegally in the United States.

President Obama is expected to sign the measure, which will add 1,500 troops and immigration officials to beef up security along the border with Mexico.

Interrupting its summer recess, the Senate approved a $600-million border security bill Thursday morning, sending President Obama his request for 1,500 more troops and immigration officials to beef up security along the border with Mexico.

States have the authority to enforce immigration laws and protect their borders, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said Wednesday in a legal brief on behalf of nine states supporting Arizona's immigration law.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said on Tuesday that she intends to press the issue of border security in a meeting this week with President Barack Obama at the White House.