Speech #970250787

Speaker. I am pleased that we are able to consider this matter in this rather extraordinary fashion. The Committee on the Judiciary Just this week favorably reported a similar measure to the House as a part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill . Some of the provisions contained in the committee version of this legislation are now contained in the amendment which has been proposed by the gentleman from Kentucky . the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law. Enactment of this legislation is certainly long overdue and it responds in an effective and practical manner to a most difficult humanitarian problem. In my judgment. it recognizes a moral responsibility that we have to these children who have been fathered by Americans abroad. The purpose of this amendment is to insure the safety and wellbeing of these children after they immigrate to the United States. There is certainly a consensus that every possible step should be taken to insure that the sponsorship process is legitimate. The committee amendment accomplished this by requiring the involvement of State child welfare agencies as well as other public and private agencies who are familiar with the process of intercountry adoption and the intercountry placement of unaccompanied minors. orphans. and other similarly situated children. The potential for exploitation must be addressed and the amendement embodies some of the precautions that have been taken in recent years with regard to the intercountry adoption of children and the process of admitting refugees who are unaccompanied minors from various countries of first asylum in Southeast Asia. As noted in a recent Washington Post editorial the committees action with respect to the Amerasian legislation "preserves the spirit of the bill and eliminates some possible problems." Because of the unique nature of this legislation. it is the committees intent that the Attorney General should closely monitor the implementation of this legislation and report to the Judiciary Committee on a regular basis concerning the sponsorship process and the progress that is made under this legislation. In fact. the Attorney General is directed to file specific reports to the Committee on the Judiciary on this matter. as well as on the impact that the legislation has had on existing family relations abroad. particulary in view of my concern that some family separation and dislocation will result from this bill.