Speech #970225376

Mr. President. the administration has requested that the new Immigration Board and immigration judges remain within the Justice Department. but independent of the Immigration Service. Provisions of S. 2222 provide that very independence while continuing the supervision of the Justice Department over the adjudication process. Current provisions of S. 2222 provide for a new U.S. Immigration Board with increased stature for the nine members appointed for 6year terms by the Attorney General. It also provides for new immigration judges of increased stature and specially trained asylum adjudication judges who have training in international law and international affairs. Thus. the present provisions of the bill increase both the stature and the independence of the immigration adjudication system. Immigration pressures on the United States are increasing. Asylum applications have grown to a number which would have been unbelievable a few years ago. We need a fair immigration adjuducation system within the Justice Department. We have provided that with increased training. increased stature. and increased independence.