Speech #830026885

For the purpose of the information of my colleagues. I include under leave to .extend my remarks the text of the borderclosing bill introduced by me today: Joint resolution to aid in preventing the acquisition and use of narcotic drugs by minors. by closing the Mexican border to any minor who is not accompanied by his parent or guardian unless he can demonstrate that he is leaving the United States for a legitimate purpose Whereas citizens of the United States are presently permitted to visit and return from towns across the Mexican border without restrictions. and Whereas many minors visit these Mexican towns for the sole or principal purpose of obtaining narcotic drugs. including marijuana and heroin. and Whereas the growing use of narcotic drugs by minors. and the increasing number of crimes committed by minors while under the influence of narcotics. constitute a serious problem in the United States. and Whereas restrictions on the acquisition and use of narcotic drugs under laws of the United States are of little value so long as minors have free access to such drugs across the border in Mexico: Therefore be it Resolved. etc.. That no person who is less than 21 years of age shall be permitted to leave the United States by way of the Mexican border unless(1) He is accompanied by his parent. legal guardian. or adult spouse. or (2) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the appropriate immigration officers(a) That he is leaving the United States for a legitimate purpose and not for the purpose of obtaining narcotic drugs. or (b) That he is a bona fide resident of a country other than the United States of America. SEC. 2. The Attorney General shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the first section of this joint resolution.