Speaking in Chicago today, Emanuel said the future of the immigration bill rests in President Bush’s hands.
It was derailed last week when Republican critics said they needed more time to decide which amendments to debate.
They want to remove elements they describe as amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Emanuel says it’s up to the president to change their minds.
EMANUEL: Bi-partisan means, you know, Democrats and Republicans together. The president has to put some skin in the game to get the Republican senators to put up the votes, and Democrats will be ready to do that.
Emanuel says the Senate bill should still be made tougher on security and include more provisions for family reunification.
President Bush is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans tomorrow.
For Chicago Public Radio, I’m Miriam Gottfried.