We formed that unusual coalition I predicted could be done because of the shocking abuse proposed by this legislation to the human and civil rights of both employers and minority groups. and even all Americans. Some members of this coalition also added tactical strength as House leaders and Committee Chairman. In my own case. as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and because of my active efforts on immigration problems. I was appointed as one of the six floor leaders to manage the debate of this legislation before Congress. We secured a wideopen rule for debate and a huge number of amendments to the bill (at least 295) were proposed. This guaranteed that consideration of the legislation would consume many days which. for all practical purposes. amounted to a filibuster. something Congress could not get sidetracked with during the last pressurepacked hours before adjournment. So we were able to avoid a vote. which we might have lost. We ran out the clock on this unacceptable bill in both the regular and special sessions and won a big victory for the basic human and civil rights of both citizens and noncitizens. and for farmers who are so economically vulnerable to the drastic restrictions and fines and jail sentences proposed.
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noncitizens immigration