Speech #810270799

Mr. Speaker. on yesterday I introduced a bill now known as H R. 9095 which would give the immigrant inspectors of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Department of Justice. the same retirement rights as those given to Federal Bureau of Investigation employees. I feel that when Public Law 879 was passed by the Eightieth Congress for the benefit of Federal employees engaged in the investigation. apprehension. or detention of persons suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States. the Congress intended to include immigrant inspectors. The act delegated to the United States Civil Service Commission the right to decide what Federal officers should be c3vered thereby and that Commission has now on several occasions ruled that the inclusion of immigrant inspectors was not intended. I feel it is my duty to introduce this legislation to expressly include within the provisions of Public Law 879 this group of employees who deal with all types of notorious criminals in the enforcement of our immigrant laws. They are frequently subjected to grave physical danger. A very heavy burden of responsibility is carried by these men. many of whom operate over difficult border country without regard to time or hours of employment. We are all familiar with the excellent work and fine morale of our immigrant inspectors and if we expect them to continue to do the loyal. efficient job they have done in the past. we should accord them fair treatment. It is a simple act of justice to give them the same retirement privileges which we have extended to their brothers of the FBI. My bill would provide more efficient and economical enforcement of our immigrant laws. Those inspectors who have been partially disabled through serviceconnected injury. or who have developed infirmities brought about by advancing years and the daily strain and tensions of law enforcement frequently lose zeal and enthusiasm due to irregular hours. night duty. and other hardships incident thereto which the resilience of youth disregards. Many such officers would retire under the proposed bill instead of remaining in the service long after their effectiveness begins to decline.