http://www.washtimes.com/national/20051 ... -6995r.htmThe House last night passed a major border enforcement and immigration security bill after approving amendments ending the diversity visa lottery program and requiring immigration authorities to complete background checks before granting an immigration benefit.
Those who have been pushing for years for more immigration controls said the bill, which passed 239-182, is a major victory, even if it doesn't include all they had sought.
"The great thing about this is the momentum is on our side," said Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican. "I really feel good about the issue of adding more stuff to it because of that momentum."
On Thursday, the House passed a provision calling for nearly 700 miles of fence to be built on the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, yesterday, it passed an amendment ending the diversity visa lottery, a system that grants 50,000 green cards every year without tying it to family relationships or employment. It passed 273-148.
Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, said the lottery makes no sense and pointed to examples of terrorists who have entered the country through the lottery.
"Don't gamble with national security," he said.