Speech #970236268

The essay follows: (From the Wall Street Journal. Sept. 17. 1982] CONORsSs BAD IUIGRATIoN BILL (By Edwin Harwood) Congress is considering a measure that its supporters think would effectively reduce the problem of people entering the U.S. from countries such as Mexico to work here illegally. The 1982 Immigration Reform and Control Act has passed the Senate and is in the House. its last hurdle before reaching the president. Should this SimpsonMaszzoli bill become law. it would legalize millions of illegal aliens by granting them temporary or per. manent legalresident status. depending on their length of residence here. In exchange for a generous amnesty. the bills supporters are counting on the bills "employer sanctions" to deter future illegals. Facing fines of $1.000 or $2.000 per illegal alien caught working. the argument runs. employers wont want to hire them. As a result. the aliens wont want to come. Will It work? If Congress better understood the Immigration and Naturalization Services problems with current immigration law enforcement. the optimism might sour. First. theres no assurance Congress will grant enough funds to step up enforcement. Even if it does. it may not be enough to overcome the many legal and logistical handicaps the immigration service will have to deal with. For example more funds for the Border Patrol will increase apprehensions of bordercrossers. but unless these people are smugglingguides or have been caught crossing too many times. almost all will get the penaltyfree "voluntary return" to Mexico. whence they are free to reenter. The revolving door. as agents describe it. may just revolve faster.