If this trend continues. and following the clearing up of backlogs in oversubscribed areas. section 212(a) (14). as currently administered. will undoubtedly have the effect of diminishing immigration far below the levels authorized by law. It is my understanding. as I pointed out during debate last September. that the function of the Secretary of Labor is to increase the quality of immigration. not to diminish it below authorized levels. Mr. President. in view of the numerical and other statutory limitations on immigration. in view of the fact that incoming immigrants form an insignificant part of our total labor force. but could. nevertheless. help alleviate labor shortages in certain job categories. I believe the procedures established to administer section 212(a) (14) are unduly restrictive. They are disruptive to the normal flow of immigration. They are not in the spirit of the new law. And this raises the question of congressional intent. As floor manager of the immigration bill during the debate last fall. on September 17. I made several comments relative to section 212(a) (14). These comments followed closely the analysis in the committee report. and the record of debate will indicate that among the supporters of the bill. no dissent was raised.
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immigration immigrants