Speech #980043357

I cast my vote in favor of S. 529. the Immigration Reform and Control Act. despite several reservations. The bill improves several of the deficiencies in the legislation the Senate passed last year. For example. Senator HATFIELDS amendment. which was adopted by the Senate. assures that the Congress will consider any new identifications system proposed by the President. I think this is a major improvement in the bill. Also. the judicial review provisions assuring the rights of those who seek asylum in our country is a valuable addition to this bill. It shows that the United States is seriously committed to the humanitarian goal of protecting those who legitimately fear persecution. I am concerned. however. about the inflexibility of the legalization provisions. the cutoff date for legalization. which should be later. and the lack of protections for those who might be discriminated against because of the enactment of this legislation. I look to the other Chamber to correct these deficiencies and hope the bill reported out by conference between the two Chambers will reflect a more compassionate immigration policy.*