Just for anyone who does not keep track of the current news, this is going to be a “base” bill to facilitate a debate on any potential immigration bill. This departs from Democrats’ past approaches when they tried to bundle it with comprehensive immigration reform bills. In other words, they are choosing a narrower but more likely path in order to get “anything” done. That is what Senate Democrats (mainly Dick Durbin) recognizing the reality are trying to do. Basically, they are going to stick to the DREAM Act although they might try to broaden it to DREAM Act + temporary protections. But, adding temporary protections alone will turn off some people.. This will increase our chances, but don’t be fooled. It is still a steep path.

A clean version of this will not survive the Senate in its current form. So, Democrats and Lindsey Graham will have to add things to it to get votes from some moderate or relatively pro-immigration/DACA Republicans. Now, what is enough for those Republicans is questionable. If they add too many poison pills, it will turn off Democrats as well. So, it will be very difficult for us.