Yet the effort by GOP centrists to force immigration votes gained steam before Thursday’s exit, suggesting Republican leaders may soon be forced to address legislation protecting the so-called Dreamers, perhaps as early as next month.

Everybody’s negotiating still,” said Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.), a senior deputy whip. “So we’re giving them 10 days to see what happens. At least I am.”

Ross said he might sign the petition when Congress returns to Washington in June, but added, “I’m not there yet.”

"I gave them my word I'd sign before I left," Reed told The Hill on Thursday. "Leadership and the Freedom Caucus needed to see continuing movement toward arming the [discharge-petition] device. They are truly in the final stage of making a deal. If they don't, all bets are off."

Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), the centrist sponsor of the discharge petition, said there’s room for compromise between those two positions.

“This is a technical issue. For us, it’s important that young immigrants brought to the country as children — the victims of the immigration system — have a bridge into the legal immigration system,” he said. “And no one at any of our meetings has said that that’s unacceptable.”

GOP negotiators appeared to make some progress Wednesday during a lengthy meeting in the Capitol office of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). McCarthy’s California colleague, Rep. Jeff Denham (R), a key centrist negotiator, told reporters Thursday that he left the meeting believing he had a “deal in principle” with GOP leaders and Freedom Caucus members.

“It involved a permanent fix for Dreamers,” Denham said as he descended the Capitol steps.

Those close to leadership say they’re confident that Ryan will find a way to bridge the divide, thereby defusing the internal fight over the discharge petition.

“All parties are working together in good faith,” said Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), who is close to leadership. “I’ve very hopeful they’ll be able to work out a deal.”

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/38...igration-votes