Speech #980213529

We have now set up an elaborate mechanism to consider and adjudicate claims of discrimination. So that issue is no longer with us. But the 3year sunsetting simply means that those employers who do hire illegal aliens will continue to do so and take their chances on enforcement actions against them during the next 3 years. It is perfectly patent that it is a gutting amendment. I would like to introduce a new element Into this question on employer sanctions. The GAO report has been mentioned frequently as dealing with experience in other countries. but I had an experience abroad I would like to share with my colleagues. Last year I had the opportunity to participate in the Seminar on Undocumented Aliens sponsored by the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration in Geneva. an international organization with many participating countries. ICM Director James L. Carlin pointed out that "irregular migration." a term used at that conference for illegal migration. "tends to inspire negative attitudes towards normal migration." That was his quote. W.R. Bohning of the International Labour Office. in an expert paper. said that. and I quote. a "major reason for irregularity can be porous or incompatible laws and regulations." He described the legal situation in the United States as "selfcontradictory." noting that. "it is not illegal to employ foreigners who are in an irregular situation." The presentations underscored for me that the Immigration Reform and Control Act appropriately makes employer sanctions the centerpiece of immigration law enforcement. At the end of the seminar. the many participating countries debated and adopted a series of conclusions and recommendations. These statements remarkably reflected a unanimous view.