Speech #970099054

Mr. President. today. at the request of the administration. I am introducing legislation entitled the Omnibus Immigration Control Act. The Reagan administration should be commended for its initiative in sending forward such comprehensive legislation in an area that certainly needs congressional action. Mr. President. almost every day our citizens read in a newspaper or see on television a story about immigration and refugee problems either worldwide or here in America. In fiscal year 1981. during the previous administration approximately 217.000 refugees were authorized to enter the United States. It is estimated that more than 160.000 of that number have already reached our shores. In addition to refugee admissions. the United States admitted 650.000 immigrants lawfully under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act during fiscal year 1981. The estimate of the number of illegal aliens presently in this country ranges from 3 to 6 million. As the Attorney General of the United States has stated "we have lost control of our borders." The social and economic impact of the presence of these high numbers of both legal and illegal immigrants and thousands of refugees is growing each day. Areas of south Florida. for example. are being required to absorb and care for thousands of Cubans who came during the Mariel boat lift. as well as thousands of Hatians who have been coming in a steady stream for the past few years. It is now beyond the ability of State and local governments to deal with this situation.