Speech #970226744

Mr. President. I oppose Senate passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. What started out to be immigration reform has become. in too many provisions. immigration restrictionrestrictions that are unnecessary and that will inevitably be harmful to our countrys historic commitment to a fair and reasonable immigration policy. Instead of promoting family reunification as one of the basic goals of our immigration laws. this bill has eroded that principle. for many persons seeking only to be reunited with their families in the United States. the dream has ended forever. Instead of launching an effective immigration enforcement program. we have created a dubious system of employer sanctions which is seriously flawed and which is likely to result in additional discrimination against Hispanic Americans and other minorities in our society. In the name of controlling the flow of illegal migrants into our country. we have cut back on legal immigration. In response to false fears created by the Cuban refugees and other recent migration problems. we are closing our doors to many who should be welcomed. Regrettably. this bill has strayed too far from the goals of immigration reform upon which it was launched following the landmark recommendations of the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy. It sets a course that needlessly divides some families and that threatens new discrimination against those who have already suffered too much discrimination. Mr. President. Americas immigrant tradition is a precious national asset and one of the greatest strengths of the American character. The Senate must not turn its back on that heritage and history. A ugus t 1. 1982