Speech #930120735

Mr. Chairman. as you know. under the provisions of section 203 (a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. visa numbers for persons born in areas other than the independent countries of the Western Hemisphere are allocated by preference categories. The first preference is given to unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. second preference to spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. and third preference is given to members of the professions or persons of exceptional ability in the sciences and arts. There are four additional preference categories as well as a nonpreference category for those who do not fit in any of the special groups. While I certainly have no argument with the groups of people who are covered by the higher preference categories. I am distressed that those aliens who courageously served with the U.S. Armed Forces are not given any special preference for receiving immigrant visas. Veterans have a special place in the hearts of Americans. We all recognize the debt of gratitude that we owe those who served in the Armed Forces to protect and preserve this great land. But we have been remiss in paying that debt to the aliens who have served honorably as members of our Armed Forces. As an example. under current law. it means nothing that a man or woman served 4 years with the U.S. Army during World War 11 when he or she applies for an immigrant visa number. This is wrong. and it is high time that we corrected this injustice. I am therefore. tomorrowwhen the bill comes up for amendment--offering an amendment to H.R. 981 to extend the first preference category prescribed by section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to include those persons who have served at least 3 years in the Armed Forces of the United States and have been honorably discharged. If adopted. those who put their lives on the line to serve in our Armed Forces. in our uniforms. under our commanders. under our flag. would be on an equal footing with the other groups who receive special preference status. I think it is only right and only just that those who offered their lives in service to this country be given first preference status and be permitted to enter this country. if they so choose.