Mr. Speaker. I have introduced legislation to remove an inequity that slipped unnoticed into the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. My bills. H.R. 12594. H.R. 12595. and H.R. 12596. will abolish the requirement that Latin Americans currently in the United States leave this country to apply for permanent resident status. This inequity is causing severe hardship to many Latin Americans. who want to remain permanently in the United States. many of whom had applications pending to adjust their status when the new immigration law was passed late In 1965. It is unfair that these people who are already residing in the United States be required to leave. Their applications should be accepted In the United States. I do not believe that Congress intended the immigration law as it applies to Latin Americans to work in this way. It was an oversight. After all. these people entered the United States legally and in good faith. It is absurd to ask them to leave in order for them to stay here. I want to call this to the attention of my colleagues in the House and to request support of my bills. which will merely correct an oversight. I am hopeful my bills to amend the Immigration Act of 1965 in this respect will receive prompt approval in committee and in the House and Senate.
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