Speech #980141088

Mr. Speaker. the decision to block consideration of the SimpsonMazzoli bill was a severe blow to American workers. We need to take action to stem the growing tide of illegal immigrants. To prevent such action is nothing less than irresponsible. Illegal immigrants take jobs away from our workersespecially our leastskilled workers who already have the toughest time finding a job. Illegal immigration is also unfair to those waiting to immigrate legally from Nations around the world. Why would they be expected to wait patiently while others stream in across our borders? The problems posed by illegal immigration are many and obvious. and the SimpsonMazzoli bill would have given us a fighting chance to reduce illegal entry. The bill. like any complex measure. was not perfect. but it was our best chance. The bills authors reasoned that since illegal aliens come here to find work. we could discourage immigration by preventing the aliens from obtaining jobs. That is just common sense. And that is exactly what the bill would have done.