Speech #930120721

Mr. Speaker. today we are considering House Resolution 545 which provides the rule for H.R. 981. Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1973. This is an open rule with 2 hours of general debate. and also makes the committee substitute in order as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The primary purpose of H.R. 981 is to extend to the Western Hemisphere the same preference system and the same 20.000 per country limit on the number of immigrant visas available annually. which is presently in effect for the Eastern Hemisphere. Existing law provides for an annual ceiling of 120.000 special immigrant visas for natives of the Western Hemisphere. Unlike Eastern Hemisphere immigration. which is controlled by a preference system. and per country limitation. Western Hemisphere immigration operates on a firstcomefirstserved basis. In effect. the United States has two different immigration laws for the two hemispheres. This bill will retain the present annual ceiling of 120.000 Western Hemisphere immigrants. but will extend the 20.000 per country limit and the preference system to the Western Hemisphere. The seven point preference system is designed to give top priority to reuniting families and to attracting aliens with needed skills to this country. The bill also contains provisions dealing with refugees. labor certifications. immigrants from colonies. immigrants from Cuba. and aliens in the Virgin Islands. CXIX- 1976Part 24 The cost of this bill is estimated to be $1.368.000 for each fiscal year following enactment. The committee report contains communications from the Department of State and the Department of Justice. suggesting some modifications in the bill as introduced.