Speech #980190060

Mr. Speaker. congressional action on the problem of undocumented aliens is clearly in the public interest and H.R. 1510. the Immigration Reform and Control Act. is an effort to carry out this Nations constitutional responsibility to control its borders. All public opinion polls clearly demonstrate that the American people are overwhelmingly in support of immigration reform and most polls indicate that employer sanctions are supported by a significant majority of the Hispanic community. There has been a definite consensus for some time on the part of all policy makers who have closely studied this problem that employer sanctions. coupled with stronger border enforcement. are the most humane and effective way to stem the influx of undocumented aliens. A recent editorial in the Washington Post suggests that employer sanctions "provide an effective. orderly and dignified alternative to largescale raids and roundups." In fact. the Supreme Court. which for almost a decade has wrestled with the various civil liberty issues associated with interior apprehension efforts. has on several occasions called on Congress to enact employer sanctions. While I clearly recognize that H.R. 1510 does not fully satisfy all people. there comes a time when the national interest must outweigh geographical concerns and the parochial. special interests of the various groups lobbying against this legislation.