Fiscal debates will again dominate Congress' agenda for early 2013, but other contentious battles such as immigration reform will also split House Republicans and could test Boehner's hold on the speaker's gavel.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Conservatives said it was evidence of the need for "proper controls" on immigration - including a cap on work permits and language test for those who want to move to Britain to get married.

BBC: Britain 'biggest in EU by 2050'

Test case appeals over the refusals, which were due to be heard by the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) on 21 July, will be delayed pending the outcome.

BBC: Gurkhas win High Court hearing

Tougher new immigration rules mean spouses coming to settle in the UK now have to pass an English test.

BBC: London project gives immigrants lessons in being British