Speech #960335679

I should mention that a similar provision extending the waiver period for 1 year is currently contained in S. 988. I wish to make it clear that the provisions contained in H.R. 7273 are intended to supersede the limited approach contained in S. 988. Section 7 allows excludable aliens to be deported to a variety of different countries. as opposed to existing law which limits deportation of such aliens to the country from "whence they came." Section 11 eliminates the annual alien registration requirement but continues to require aliens to notify INS as to changes of address. According to CBO. this alone will save $800.000 annually. Section 12 makes several revisions to INS authority to seize and forfeit conveyances used in smuggling and transporting illegal aliens. In interpreting and implementing this provision. the Department of Justice should be guided by the more detailed legislative history contained in the committees report on H.R. Section 15 eliminates certain naturalization requirements. including the need for two witnesses. whose utility is of marginal value. This section will result in a savings of $1 million annually. Section 16 allows State courts with jurisdiction to naturalize aliens to retain up to $20.000 in naturalization fees. rather than the current $3.000. This will more adequately compensate the State courts for the increased volume of naturalization petitions and concomitant increase in costs associated with processing the petitions. This more generous reimbursement formula is necessary in order to assure that these courts do not withdraw from the naturalization process. Section 20 provides for the Attorney General and the Secretary of State jointly to establish a 1year pilot program under which most tourists and business visitors from selected foreign countries would not be required to obtain nonimmigrant visas before traveling to the United States. This bill goes a long way toward eliminating the requirements that presently confront the Immigration and Naturalization Service with redtape. unnecessary paperwork. and laws that are difficult to administer. Ihis is a small but important step forward. obviously much more work needs to be done first. to get the Immigration Service to a point at which it can effectively enforce the laws. and second. to reform the laws so they can -be efficiently and easily administered and are fair and equitable as well. Mr. Speaker.