Speech #960256769

We have helped them learn a new language. acquire new skills. and settle into new homes. In turn. these newcomers have enriched our national life by making remarkable contributions to their adopted homeland. We pride ourselves on being a haven for refugees and have been confident of our ability to absorb those who came here. but we cannot possibly accept all refugees. We must ask ourselves which we should admit. keeping in mind that the assimilation of refugees is not as easy for us as it once was. Unlimited immigration may have been appropriate in an earlier day. but resettlement programs can become a burden on many Americans who themselves may be faced with unemployment. As I think about immigration policy. it strikes me that several general principles must guide us in the decisions we make: Current immigration practices need to be looked at in their entirety. with a view toward their longrange impact and the emergence of a sound national policy on immigration. Our primary objective must be to regularize and slow the influx of people from abroad. Although we cannot afford to take in all refugees. we can afford to take in many. We are not an overcrowded country. and it is consistent with our traditions to be generous to displaced people. A chaotic avalanche of refugees. however. is something we do not want and should not tolerate.. An overall annual ceiling for refugees and immigrants is desirable. Once set. the ceiling should be strictly adhered to. Since we have accepted more refugees and immigrants this year than have all other nations of the free world combined. we need not apologize. We should deal with all refugees and immigrants equally. -not allowing the people of any foreign country special advantages. Race certainly ought not to be a factor. We must intensify our effort to control illegal immigration. A substantial increase in the resources we commit to maintain the integrity of our borders is long overdue. Comprehensive bilateral programs with nations that "export" their people may be necessary. We should work for the admission of "seed imigrants" who can help our nation with their talents but who have no relatives in America. Our immigration policy is too dominated by the goal of family reunification. Although that goal is a worthy one. it is not the only one. Economic and cultural development is also in our interest. Other nations should be encouraged both to participate in the resettlement of refugees and to help lefsen the tensions that generate refugees. Finally. all refugees should be screened carefully upon arrival in the United States. In no circumstances should we accept refugees who have committed serious crimes or