In May of 1972. Mr. Patels student visa expired. He then placed a critical decision. He could. as millions of other immigrants have done. simply go underground. with little practical chance of being found. prosecuted. or deported. Instead. consistent with the scrupulous respect he has shown for our laws throughout his residence here. Mr. Patel sought a legal adjustment of his status. He was operating a service station in which he had invested over $15.000. and he was understandably confident that he would gain permanent residence on the basis of the immigration laws "investor clause." which granted a preference to any immigrant who has invested $10.000 or more in a jobcreating U.S. business. However. his application was rejected because his service station was leased rather than ownedan arbitrary interpretation of the "investor clause" that lacked precedent. Shailesh Patels ultimately unsuccessful appeal lasted until 1978. A reapplication for permanent residence was also rejected and a deportation order was issued in 1981. The Patels are in the United States with the status known as "extended voluntary departure." I submit that Shallesh Patel has become a model citizen. a productive citizen. a patriotic and lawabiding citizen in every sense but a technically legal one. Mr.
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