Speech #960158270

Mr. Speaker. questions have arisen concerning the constitutionality of necessary and justifiable actions by the President and the Attorney General to ferret out Iranian students who might be subject to deportation under existing law. It was announced yesterday that civil rights lawyers expect a lawsuit to be filed soon. posing a challenge to the Attorney Generals announcement ordering Iranian students to report to immigration officials within the next 30 days. Those who are proven to be in the United States illegally. who lie about their immigration status and who do not report will be subject to deportation proceedings. Whatever decision might be reached as a result of the lawsuit. legal proceedings could stretch out over weeks or months. which could delay the new controls and any actual deportation of nonimmigrant students who hide behind our cloak of constitutional democracy to further the cause of tyranny in their home countries. Such delays would frustrate what is clearly the will of the great majority of the American people and the intent of the administrations laudable and widely supported actions. The power of Congress with regard to the admission. exclusion. and expulsion of aliens is an absolute power that has been upheld by Supreme Court decisions. It is reported that any lawsuits filed in protest of the administrations actions would seek to determine if the Congress has authorized the President and the Attorney General to single out aliens of one nationality for special actions. On November 7. 1 introduced H.R. 5813. which would clarify the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the deportation of nonimmigrant alien students who knowingly participated in a violent political demonstration or otherwise participated in activities inconsistent with the terms of their admittance to the United States. I reintroduced the bill November 13 with 46 cosponsors. Yesterday I wrote to House Judiciary Committee Chairman PETER RODINo asking that he commence hearings immediately on H.R. 5813. In view of the potential legal tests of the Presidents and Attorney Generals recent actions pursuant to existing laws. I believe the hearings offer the best and most immediate forum for clearing the air on this admittedly complex issue and can lead to formulation of amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act that can eliminate the threat of lawsuits and prevent prolonged court battles.