Path to Compromise Unclear as Lawmakers Debate Immigration

WASHINGTON (AP) — To hear congressional Republicans tell it, Democrats are so eager to grant work permits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally that they'd risk funding for the Homeland Security Department to do it.

Democrats counter that it's Republicans who are jeopardizing the Homeland Security budget in their zeal to deport immigrants brought here illegally as children.

Those two opposing sides are in a high-stakes drama underway on Capitol Hill.

Lawmakers are wrangling over a $39.7 billion House-passed bill that funds the department for the remainder of the budget year while overturning President Barack Obama's executive actions limiting deportations for millions here illegally and giving them the ability to work.

Most involved agree that, one way or another, Congress will find a way to approve funding for the Homeland Security Department.

(Story by: Erica Werner, The Associated Press)