The House of Representatives rejected one of the two bills promoted by Republicans and aimed to drastically reduce visa issuance for legal immigration to the United States and to temporarily protect "Dreamers" from deportation.
"Dreamers" are young people who entered the country illegally when they were still minors and were granted a temporary protection status so that they could study and work in the United States.
The bill was rejected by 193 votes to 231, with both Democrats and a group of Republicans voting against.
A second bill on immigration will be presented to Parliament tomorrow.