BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to give millions of illegal immigrants a shot at U.S. citizenship and to construct 370 miles of triple-layered fencing along the Mexican border and 500 miles of vehicle barriers.

    The measure calling for an additional 370 miles of fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers was carried by 83 to 16. Since the House of Representatives has already approved some 700 miles of additional fencing, it is likely that whatever immigration legislation emerges from the full Congress will provide for extra barriers.

    "Good fences make good neighbors," said Senator Jeff Sessions, who offered the bill. "Fences don't make bad neighbors."

    In another crucial vote, the Senate by 66-33 defeated a bid led by Louisiana Republican David Vitter to cut out pivotal parts of the bill that create a path for illegal immigrants to get legal status.

    "This is not amnesty," said Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a sponsor of the Senate bill. "The American people deserve an honest debate. Let's stop the nonsense."

    Many conservatives oppose any hint of an amnesty for illegals, while business groups want a pool of foreign workers and Hispanic groups in the U.S. are flexing political muscle demanding legalization. About 1,000 immigrant rights supporters rallied in Washington on Wednesday in favor of immigration reform.  Enditem

(Agencies)