Speech #970274795

Mr. Miller. is introducing amendments to this effect. During the last week of April of this year. the administration initated "operation jobs." This program was designed to remove undocumented workers from socalled better paying Jobs across the country. It was responsible for apprhending 5.440 of these workers. The program was a failure. It was a failure because the socalled better jobs being taken by undocumented persons turned out to be less than acceptable to many of the Americans who took them. In the December 5 Wall Street Journal. there was an article on "operation jobs" and many of its failures. These failures are perhaps best summed up by a man who took a Job vacated by an apprehended undocumented person. He said that. "it was was too much work for too little pay. We were like dogs out there. I aint never been in prison. but it felt that way." This article uncovers the lie that Americans are being pushed out of jobs now being held by undocumented persons. It also helps to eliminate the often held belief that those individuals are a drain on society. They are not. they are productive contributors to our economy and society at large. As I have said repeatedly. this country was built by immigrants. Their enthusiasm and faith in the American system is far from draining. its heartening. I am not advocating a lax immigration policy. but I do support a just and realistic policy that does not scapegoat immigrants. Many of my colleagues have spoken against the bill because it is being considered at such a late date. I agree. this is not the time to debate the question of immigration policy. This issue will be with us when we return in January. As chairman of the Census and Population Subcommittee. I held three days of hearings on the question of immigration. I heard a host of witnesses talk about this problem and the potential impact it might have on may of Americas minorities. I also testified before the other body. the Senate. on the question of immigration. I am not a newcomer to this issue. I did not jump on the bandwagon recently. I oppose HR. 7357 because it does not do what it sets out to do. that is. create an effective. Just immigration policy. There are nearly 300 amendments to be considered at a time when many of us are anxious to finish up business and start fresh in the new year. with a new congress. I have a statement prepared by the League of United Latin American Citizens on employer sanctions and discrimination that I would like to submit as part of my testimony.