Immigration bill clears U S Senate hurdle

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) A sweeping overhaul of U S immigration law cleared a test vote in the Senate today, setting the stage for passage this week and a bruising battle with the U S House of Representatives.

The Senate voted 73-25 to limit the remaining debate on the immigration bill that couples border security and enforcement with a guest worker program and a plan to give millions of illegal immigrants a chance to earn U S citizenship.

A bipartisan coalition held together through several attempts by opponents to unravel the compromise legislation. Supporters said they expected the bill's central elements to survive any remaining challenges and that the Senate would likely pass the bill tomorrow.

President George W Bush backs a comprehensive approach similar to the Senate bill, but tough negotiations are expected with the House and it was unclear a final bill will emerge before the November congressional elections.

Senator. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, said it was a ''50-50 proposition'' whether House Republicans are willing to accept a comprehensive approach beyond the border security and enforcement measure passed in December.

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