US Senate clears border security hurdle for immigration bill

The US Senate cleared a key immigration reform hurdle Monday, bucking pointed Republican opposition and proceeding on a critical measure that would toughen security on the US border with Mexico.

The procedural vote, which was still ongoing but had sufficient support to move forward, marked an important test for comprehensive immigration reform backed by President Barack Obama, who wants it enacted this year, although the landmark legislation faces an uncertain fate in the House of Representatives.