Mr. Speaker. enforcement of our immigration laws is out of control. Immigration reform is long overdue. Regardless of whether we all agree as to the merits of H.R. 1510. the Immigration Reform and Control Act. this legislation is the only vehicle available for addressing our immigration problems. As some of my colleagues are aware. I have been working to alter the legalization provisions of this legislation. to make it more palatable to the American people. and to this body. That alternative is available to us. but only if we are allowed to consider comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Mr. Speaker. your decision against allowing this body to debate this measure should be reconsidered. You admitted your powers to schedule legislation yesterday. This body should be allowed to work its will on immigration reformeven those of us with reservations about the present form of this bill realize the importance of addressing the issue. As we know. consideration of H.R. 1510 by this body does not guarantee its passage. particularly in its present form. but Ias well as many of my colleaguesare confident that through the amendment processand adoption. for example. of amendments to modify or delete section 301. the legalization provisions. leaving in place section 302. which I have proposed along with others to provide for an update of the registry date provision of present lawthat this body could be successful in providing our Nation with meaningful immigration reform. We should not abdicate our responsibility to address this issue. Use your power. Schedule immigration reform for open debate.
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