Prior to the boatlift. the crime rate in Dade County had actually decreased. I believe that this underscores one essential purpose of emergency powers. It is to shield the people from the impact of a sudden and massive influx of undocumented aliens. I know that the issue of emergency immigration powers is a sensitive subject. However. I believe that the President does need additional authority in order to cope adequately with future immigration emergencies. If we do not act promptly. I believe that the 1984 elections could delay rational discussion and adoption of a reasonable solution to the problem. Providing immigration emergency powers to the President would not reverse our countrys policy of accepting persecuted people from all over the world. I believe that the United States should continue to welcome those who fear death or imprisonment because of their political or religious views. Florida had been a haven for Cubans and other Latin Americans who have fled tyranny and persecution. I am proud of that. Florida has become home to brave refugees. and they in turn have made significant contributions to the prosperity and culture of our State. I am committed to strong enforcement of effective immigration laws. but we must continue to welcome those who are eligible to enter our country as political asylees. There is another issue that is crucial to protecting our communities from the affects of illegal immigration. It is the issue of reimbursing State and local governments for the cost of the amnesty provision contained in this bill. It is estimated that amnesty will cost literally billions of dollars.
Keywords matched
undocumented immigration illegal immigration refugees