The US Senate Thursday wrote off President Bush's plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants, likely sinking any major developments on the issue until after the 2008 elections.

The Senate voted 46 to 53 against the bill handing a major political blow to President George W. Bush, who has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country's immigration policies for years.

Before the vote on Thursday, Bush made frenetic calls to persuade lawmakers of his own party to render support for the bill. However, he could provide little argument to overcome his plummeting approval ratings and the vote fell 14 short of the 60 needed to move the bill for final passage.

Key US Democratic and Republican senators reached a deal with the White House on immigration reform in May, but on June 7, the Senate voted 45-50 against limiting debate on the legislation, The bill was a bipartisan affair which had been supported by President George W. Bush due to clauses that would see tightened border security, employers punished for hiring illegal immigrants, a merit-based points system for future immigrants, and the creation of a guest worker program that would be discontinued within five years.

Leaders of the Senate later agreed to revive the bill, after intensified efforts by Bush.

In a speech two weeks ago, Bush expressed his disappointment when the bill was temporarily withdrawn by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

"Leaders of both parties since then have expressed their commitment to resolving the issues ... and I urge them to do so as quickly as possible so Congress can pass, and I can sign this year, comprehensive immigration reform," he said.

On Tuesday, the Senate did revive the bill, but Republican opponents succeeded in delaying consideration of a package of amendments to bill. News reports indicated that it is now very likely no action will be taken on this bill before the 2008 presidential elections.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2007)