Speech #910174318

It does not propose to bar alien commuters from working in the United States. Specifically. my bill: First. Would redefine the term "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" under the Immigration and Nationality Act. I intend by this redefinition and other amendments to make it clear that all immigrants after initial admission must permanently and physically reside in the United States. In short. it is my express intent to abolish the commuter system. Second. Would establish a nonresident work permit system. By recognizing the interdependence of border communities this new form of border crossing authorization is designed for use by nonresident aliens who wish permanent employment in U.S. border towns. Accordingly. its use will be limited to authorized work locations not more than 20 miles from the U.S. border. This provision. I believe. will preserve freedom of movement and a healthy interconnection between the economies of our border towns. At the same time we abolish one of the abuses of the commuter systemthe impact of the fartherranging "green card" commuterwhich has no relationship to the interconnection of our border economy and which has been disruptive and harmful to nonresident American workers. Work permits would be issued only after the Secretary of Labor certified that American workers are not available and. if none are available. that the wages and working conditions of Americans similarly employed would not be adversely affected. I have included a provision for periodic review of such certifications. My intention is to give the Secretary of Labor wide discretion in determining under what conditions work permits should be granted or withdrawn. Specifically. I have in mind situations where workpermit holders are used as strike breakers. In such cases the Secretary of Labor would revoke the work permit. In brief. I would grant to the Secretary of Labor authority to promulgate such rules and regulations as he feels are needed to implement these amendments.