Speech #900183744

Some measure of relief is needed promptly. Mr. President. a major thrust of our immigration laws has always been to protect the working conditions and job opportunities of American workers. As it currently operates. the 40yearold commuter systemnot provided for in these laws but directly related to themdoes not carry out this objective. It is true that current applications for commuter status are covered by the labor .clearance provisions of the Immigration Act of 1965. But once an applicant Is given permanent residence status as a bona fide immigrantonce he receives his green cardfor all practical purposes he holds in his hand a permanent work permit for employment in the United States. I do not believe aliens should be given the unique privilege of being considered bona fidt immigrants for purposes of employment in the United States--when they choose to reside across the border and fail to become immigrants in the sense contemplated by the lawand. more importantly. when their employment in this country is so clearly detrimental to the economic conditions. the job opportunities. and the collectivebargaining efforts of American workers. The bill I introduce today does not end the commuter system. but it does refine its current operations. The bill simply says that each commuter alien must be regularly certified every 6 months by the Department of Labor. that his presence in the United States to seek or continue employment does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of American workers similarly employed. The bill provides for the revocation of a commuter aliens labor clearance. if he violates administrative regulations. such as a ban on strikebreaking. prescribed by the Department of Labor and the Immigration Service to carry out the purpose of this bill. Mr. President.