Speech #970010275

Mr. President. if several of recently published recommendations of the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy are implemented. we will be marching down a road ending in chaos for Mexico and eventually for the United States. The effect of "restrictionism." the policy that underlies the Commissions recommendation on undocumented workers from Mexico. will be to seriously hurt an important ally. foster discrimination against our own Hispanic citizens. deprive thousands of small- and mediumsized businesses of ready. willing. and able workers. and eliminate many jobs for U.S. citizens which depend on these workers. In short. a policy aimed at closing a border 2.000 miles long. at employer sanctions without discrimination. and at identity cards for workers in a free conlntry has no relation to domestic or international reality. The March 4. 1981. edition of the Washington Post included an article by Lee Leseaze which reported comments by President Reagan concerning Mexican worker migration. In contrast to the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy. the President Is quoted as being favorably disposed toward the free movement of people between the United States and Mexico. This proposal will be discussed by the President when he meets President Jose Lopez Portillo late next month. and follows on the Presidents earlier statement favoring some form of temporary worker program for Mexican nationals. The President recognizes something that the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy has reportedly decided to ignore. Reagan has noted the fact that seasonal and temporary migration to this country acts as a "safety valve" for Mexico. The President saidIt is to our governments interest also that that safety valve is not shut off so that there is no breaking of the stability south of the border.