Mr. President. following yesterdays vote by the Senate on 5. 2222. "Thv Immigration Reform and Control Act." the U.S. Catholic Conference issued a statement expressing its deep reservations over the bill and opposition to key provisions in it. As Senators know. I share many of those concernswhich I stated when I voted in opposition to the bill. Had the Senate accepted my amendments to restore the existing second preference immigration category. the fifth preference for unmarried brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. and taken immediate relatives out of the annual ceilingwe would not be hearing widespread concerns over the erosion of the family reunification goals of our Nations immigration laws contained in the bill. The U.S. Catholic Conference states the issue well: "We view with utter dismay the erosion of the family reunification foundation of our system of selecting immigrants." I also commend the Conference for pointing out that the limitations on the legalization program contained in the bill are simply "putting off to another day the time when the problem will ultimately be resolved even for those who may now. qualify" for amnesty. As the Conference statement concludes. "Surely the head and heart of America can do more." Mr. President.
Keywords matched
family reunification Immigration immigration immigrants