First Word: Border deal likely to boost chances of immigration reform

Chances of passing immigration reform is becoming much more likely with a major bipartisan effort that will be announced Thursday. NBC News reports that a bipartisan group of senators has reached an agreement to strengthen border security by doubling the size of the Border Patrol and requiring 700 miles of border fencing. The deal also includes tinkering with the E-Verify program for businesses and benefits.

Recommended

News Analysis

Immigration has always been a Trump card. That might not work anymore.

Akayla Gardner

Maddowblog

Why it matters that Lindsey Graham is abandoning the Dream Act

Steve Benen

• No major SCOTUS decisions Thursday

• Border security deal is close in Senate

• Wall Street Journal editorial on the immigration debate

• Senator Kirk prepared to vote yes on immigration

• Steve King could be a major hurdle in the House

• Obama looks to lower CO2 emissions on power plants

• John Boehner pens a letter to House members before farm bill vote

• “Pray the gay away” group shuts down

• Four found guilty of a hate crime after brutally attacking gay relative

• Ohio’s archaic abortion bill

• Hillary Clinton calls McCaskill after endorsement

• Democrats slowly shifting focus to Hillary

• Obama campaign workers protest president over Keystone

• Bloomberg backlash on plan to snub four Democrats who voted against gun control

• Is the end near for Fed stimulus?

• Republican candidate called a street walker by opponent

• VA Republican nominee thinks “great society” programs worse for black families than slavery

• George Zimmerman jury selection reaching its final stages

• Gabriel Gomez is up with a new ad highlighting his debate performance

• Democrats air TV ad hitting Mitch McConnell in Kentucky

• How the Tea Party crowd turned on Marco Rubio