Schumer, McCain encouraged by immigration prospects

• President Obama meets with two senators deeply involved in the immigration debate
• Sens. Charles Schumer%2C D-N.Y.%2C and John McCain%2C R-Ariz.%2C are working together
• Many Republicans object to a path for citizenship for those in the U.S. illegally

Two senators who helped fashion a major immigration bill said Thursday that they told President Obama they remain encouraged that the Republican-run House will act on the issue.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stressed that many House Republicans want to address problems with the immigration system, though they want different approaches.

"We're moving forward," Schumer told reporters after the meeting with Obama. "Immigration reform, I think, has a strong future this year in Washington."

Many Republicans want only tighter border security and have criticized the Senate bill for including a pathway to citizenship for people who are already in the United States illegally.

McCain, the Republican who lost the 2008 election to Obama, said most of his GOP colleagues believe immigration "is a problem that needs addressing," and the Senate is willing to work with the House on different approaches.

"We are ready to negotiate," McCain said.

Members of the House Republican caucus who met Wednesday on immigration said they want a step-by-step series of new laws, as opposed to the comprehensive bill passed by the Senate. Many GOP members described the proposed pathway to citizenship as amnesty for lawbreakers.

At the White House, Schumer said he expects Obama to continue speaking on the need for an immigration bill -- "to let Americans know how important it is" -- and letting Congress work out the details.

McCain, meanwhile, said backers of an immigration bill need to convince House Republicans who are not backers of Obama.

"I think the president is walking a careful line here," McCain said.

White House officials called Obama's meeting with the senators a good one, and also expressed hope the House will take up a bill.

"The costs of inaction is very high," said Obama spokesman Jay Carney.