Speech #970045892

Mr. Speaker. I have today introduced a comprehensive immigration bill. the primary purpose of which is to legitimize a migrant worker program so that the 2 to 4 million illegal workers which we have cheerfully accepted for agricultural labor do not have to live in fear of prosecution or exploitation. They should pay taxes. social security. and health insurance like other Americans. and they should be entitled to equal protection of the law like other Americans. The bill is based on six concepts: First. legitimization of a migrant worker program. allowing aliens to enter the United States for up to 8 months per year for agricultural or other employment. After 5 years of working for at least 4 months each year. the alien could seek permanent resident status with citizenship attainable 5 years thereafter. Second. a social security card with an identifiable photograph and counterfeitresistant identification data. Falsification or misuse of the card would be punishable by heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Third. employers knowingly hiring illegal aliens would be subject to a $500 civil fine. $1.000 for the second violation and criminal penalties of $5.000 and/or 1 year in jail for subsequent violations. Fourth. amnesty would be granted. allowing permanent resident alien status for illegal aliens who have been residing continuously in the United States for 2 years prior to the date of enactment. with citizenship attainable 5 years thereafter. Fifth. the Border Patrol officers force would be increased from 2.200 to 2.800 or more. The fine for smuggling aliens would be increased to $5.000. Sixth. bilateral consultation would be conducted with Mexico on the migrant worker program. amnesty. bilateral development and trade. and on increasing immigration quotas.*