Speech #980210390

With this background. the work product of this international meeting assumes particular significance. Some of the results of the discussionsincluded in a series of statementsare particularly relevant as we debate the efficacy of employer sanctions. The statement on "Specific Motivations and Underlying Causes of Undocumented Migration" includes the following recommendation: "Every effort should be made by countries of origin and receiving countries to eliminate illegal trafficking of labour force. Governments should also exert a greater control over employers to prevent illegal hiring and its negative effects." The statement on "Undocumented Migrants and the Regularization of Their Status" concludes that "[a] program of regularization (another term for legalization) will not by itself prevent the development of further irregular situations. Governments should therefore take additional measures at the same time. which may include the institution or enforcement of immigration and labour laws restricting the entry and prohibiting employment of undocumented migrants." The essential point is that H.R. 1510s prohibition on the knowing employment of undocumented workers reflects an international consensus. H.R. 1510 attempts to discourage the annual flow of hundreds of thousands of undocumented aliens by removing the major inducement to illegal migrationthe magnet that draws people to our countrythe opportunities for employment. The concept of employer sanctions has received the support of Democratic and Republican administrations. favorable votes in the House of Representatives on two occasions in the 1970s. and the endorsement of the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy. Alternatives have been considered and found wanting. Employer sanctions is the best optionin the judgment of many people who have focused on the problem of illegal immigration. Although it is no secret that the leadership of some Hispanic organizations objects to employer sanctions. the Hispanic community favors what we are trying to accomplish. A TarranceHart poll shows that "[b]y a margin of 60% to 33%. Hispanics supported adopting legal sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants". the support among Hispanic citizens is 66 percent. The Gallup poll shows even stronger support for employer sanctions among Hispanics. "Seventyfive percent of respondents of Hispanic descent." according to a November 15. 1983. New York Times article. "expressed approval of the restrictions on hiring illegal aliens * * *." The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. in an October 17. 1983. letter to the Speaker. expressed the belief that "the overwhelming majority of Hispanics in this country want immigration legislation and would support strong legislation." In the days ahead my colleagues and I will respond to concerns about discriminationthe principal objection raised to employer sanctions. We are very conscious of opportunities to discriminateand we have addressed the issue directly in this legislation. The bill has been designed to protect ethnic minorities against invidious discrimination.