The so-called Gang-of-Eight are still working to hammer out an immigration reform bill, despite criticism from conservatives who call it a "bad bill."
San Antonio Congressman Joaquín Castro is looking forward to seeing a comprehensive immigration package this year. He said he believes the bi-partisan group will be able to meet the standards that constituents expect.
"Folks that don’t have a criminal background, that haven’t committed a felony, are willing to pay a fine, are willing to learn English - all these things that we consider important. So there will be folks who don’t qualify," Castro said.
Conservatives say the bill introduced last week doesn’t protect the borders. Texas Senator John Cornyn issued a statement Monday demanding stronger border security before he and fellow Republicans consider a bill that provides a path to citizenship.
Castro believes there is sufficient cooperation in the committee to craft a bill that will pass this summer, even though he acknowledges the challenges.
"The fact that you still have two bi-partisan groups in the House and the Senate working together on this issue is a very promising sign. We’ve got a lot of momentum on it, and that momentum continues," he said.
Castro added that Congress is working toward legislation that would require immigrants to pay back taxes for the years they have been in the country.
