The weapons ban, which would update a similar 1994 law that expired a decade later, already has been dropped, though Reid, D-Nevada, has promised a floor vote on it as an amendment to the package.

CNN: Reid to force a vote Thursday on debating gun proposals

Dianne Feinstein, D-California, has said she will introduce legislation to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004.

CNN: Obama: Proposals to address gun violence due by January

D. from Berkeley, Grove had been forced to leave the United States because of something as simple as an expired visa?

FORBES: To Create Jobs, Reform U.S. Visa Laws