The House defeated the first of two GOP immigration bills Thursday, rejecting an enforcement-heavy approached favored by conservatives that would have mixed a narrow legalization for “Dreamers” with a major boost in border and interior enforcement.

The bill was expected to fail, but it still marked a blow for conservatives who’d said it was a viable alternative that improved security without offering a full amnesty.

It was defeated 231-193.

Next up for a vote is a more moderate bill that combines a full pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other immigrants with less comprehensive enforcement measures.

That too is expected to fail.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.