Speech #980126960

I have heard that some Members of the Senate and the administration feel that the condition recommended by the Senate is illegal or unconstitutional. But. no one will really be specific. Some were afraid that the amendment would violate U.S. immigration law. I would contend that it would not. My amendment was carefully directed at those Cuban aliens already classified as deportable under our immigration laws. who in most instances would have been deported to their home countries almost immediately. But. Cuba led by Mr. Castro would not take them. Some contend that my amendment was violating the civil liberties of the Cuban criminals. My response is that these illegal aliens have been afforded more due process and attention than most illegal aliens ever receive. Again. the persons to whom my amendment is addressed are those who have already been classified as excludable entrants who never would have been allowed to enter the United States if we had better control of the situation and our borders. Instead.