Speech #970054673

S. 47. the United StatesMexico Good Neighbor Act. would allow temporary workers from Mexico to come to this country for approximately 6 to 8 months and provide the labor needed for a robust American economy. A realistic program would also protect domestic workers. as well as eliminate that exploitation which is inherent in any illegal system. New Mexicans recognize that such a plan is an essential ingredient of a realistic immigration policy. On July 6. 1981. the Sun News of Las Cruces. N. Mex.. wrote an editorial entitled "A Logical Approach to Alien Workers." which recognizes that a guest worker program must be included in our immigration policy: otherwise. the illegal flood will continue as these Mexican workers are "pulled" north by the lure of good jobs. Increased enforcement will not be able to close our 2.000mile land border with Mexico absent the creation of a "tortilla curtain." Mr. President.