Full Senate To Vote On Immigration Bill Soon.

Source: AP via Yahoo News

It's coming soon, folks, and who knows what's on the bill that Bush will sign since so many people tried to throw last-minute proposals into the thing.

Senators are betting the U.S. would benefit from giving most illegal immigrants the chance to become American citizens -- highlighting their resolve to pass a landmark immigration overhaul.

With approval expected by mid-Thursday, the Senate first had to work through several amendments that did not threaten the overall measure.

Opponents made a last-ditch attempt on Wednesday to derail the bill, contending it violated spending limits. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said the bill would bust the budget. Supporters countered that immigrants will be working and contributing more than they will cost.

As they finished up the details, senators had an eye on the difficult task of reconciling their bill with the House's version, which deals only with enforcement.

Also Wednesday, the Senate voted 56-42 to set aside two-thirds of 50,000 visas granted annually by lottery, largely to immigrants in African countries, for people with advanced degrees.

Senators also tacked on additional fees for illegal immigrants for the legalization program, raising total fees and fines to more than $3,200.

Tags: [Senate to vote on immigration overhaul], [immigration overhaul], [approval expected by mid-Thursday], [Majority Leader Bill Frist], [Sen. Jeff Sessions], [violated spending limits], [bust the budget], [Sen. John McCain]