KJZZ

One of the authors of a bipartisan Senate immigration proposal South Carolina's Lindsey Graham says he believes the measure will be approved.

“I think we're going to have a political break through, that congress is going to pass immigration reform,” Graham said. “I think we're going to get plus-70 votes. I've never been more optimistic about it."

But, Graham says his Republican Party would head into a "death spiral" if immigration legislation falls short. Hispanic and Asian-American voters overwhelmingly favored President Barack Obama's re-election in 2012. Graham warns that it doesn't matter who Republicans nominate, the 2016 Democratic nominee will triumph unless the GOP advances immigration legislation. Graham made his comments on NBC's 'Meet the Press.'