Speech #980140239

Mr. Speaker. it is a disgrace that this body will not have a chance to consider the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1983. Admittedly. I am not totally convinced that this bill will solve our immigration problems. However. one thing I am sure of: Our immigration problem is now so critical that we need to put aside political differences and get on with passing a bill that will restore integrity to our borders. I represent a part of the country where we depend on foreign workers to harvest agricultural crops. Some of my constituents would prefer that this bill never see the light of day. But despite the importance of foreign workers to our local economies. the majority of Oregonians recognize that we need to do something to control illegal immigration. The once leaky faucet of illegal aliens has turned into a torrent. It needs to be fixed. No one knows how many illegal aliens are in our country. but estimates run in the millions and the figure grows daily. We can close our eyes and pretend the problem will go away. but it will not. If anything. the problem will get worse. Our immigration policy is grossly inadequate for todays conditions. Mr. Speaker. I urge you to look beyond the squabblings of special interest groups and consider the overriding national interest of protecting our borders. The House should have a chance to consider immigration legislation. We owe the American people that much.