Speech #980210739

I rise in opposition to the bill. H.R. 1510. Immigration reform is one of the most important. complex. and controversial issues facing the 98th Congress. Its resolution transcends partisan politics and election year rhetoric. The decisions we make will have significant social. political. and economic implications across the country and throughout the world. I represent a congressional district and constituency whose interests and problems are inextricably linked to Mexico. a district that is clearly affected by an immigration reform bill or lack thereof. El Paso. TX. the largest city in my district. share an international border with Ciudad Juarez. Chihuahua. Mexico. and these two cities have a combined population approaching 2 million people. I support effective immigration reform legislation that addresses the general problems of unemployment and the individual needs of our Nations citizens and those seeking citizenship and lawful resident status. Congressman MAZZOLI and the members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law are to be commended for the long hours dedicated to drafting a bill. H.R. 1510. which attempts to meet the challenges posed by the lack of a comprehensive immigration policy for our country. I am. however. unable to endorse the bill in its present form because of fundamental problems inherent in many of its provisions. After considerable deliberation.