Speech #970012510

I think the latter course is better. We should decide on the basis of our own national interest. Michael Teitelbaum recently titled an article on immigration "Right Against Right." I think he was correct. We must make a choice between two difficult alternatives. We cannot satisfy both. neither our Treasury nor our country contains enough to provide for everyone in the world. Who. then. shall we listen to in deciding our immigration policy? The third major provision of the bill would implement a prohibition against the knowing employment of illegal aliens. Everyone seriously concerned with immigration realizes the necessity for such a prohibition. The Select Commission proposed such a prohibition. and public opinion polls consistently show high support among the general public. The reasons such a prohibition is needed include all of the problems caused by illegal immigration. As new data has emerged over the last few years. we have debunked many of the old myths about illegal immigration. Todays average illegal alien is relatively well educated by the standards of his own country. He is financially well off there. at least wealthy enough in many instances to afford to pay $1.000 or more to a smuggler to come here. He has had a substantial amount of work experience already. and probably was holding a wellpaying job when he decided to come to this country.