Reid: Immigration reform work will be complete before July recess

Reid said the Senate would complete work on the bill before the July 4 recess.

{mosads}On Thursday, Reid filed a motion to end debate on proceeding to the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. That vote is expected next Tuesday.

The bipartisan group of eight senators, known as the Gang of Eight, introduced S. 744, which would create a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country, toughen border security, create a guest worker program and boost high-skilled immigration.

Some Republicans have complained that the legislation is being rushed through and that it would provide amnesty for illegal residents before strengthening border enforcement. But Reid said the American public supports the bill.

“I had a number of meetings over the last few days with pollsters taking a look at this legislation and they all agree the vast majority of Americans want us to move forward on this,” Reid said. “I look forward to a thorough and thoughtful deliberation on this issue in the days ahead.”

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeff Flake (R- Ariz.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Michael Bennet (D-Co.) comprise the Gang of Eight.