In this Congress. however. the committee regrettably rejected that balanced approach. and by a narrow margin of 15 to 14 adopted a 1982 cutoff date. Why do many of us favor a temporary transition status for persons who arrived in the 197780 period? The gentleman from California and I pointed out in our additional views to the Judiciary Committee report: A temporary status gives an illegal alien (who lacks the equities of longterm U.S. residence) an opportunity to earn permanent residence through good conduct during a trial period. This is a reasonable requirement for someone who has chosen to enter or remain in the United States in violation of our laws. The concept of the twotiered legalization dates back to the Carter administration. "The purpose of granting a temporary status." President Carter informed Congress. is to preserve a decision on the final status of these undocumented aliens. until much more precise information about their number. location. family size and economic situation can be collected and reviewed. This amendment. by contrast. treats temporary residents much more generously by offering assurance of permanent residence after 3 years to persons who meet minimal requirements. Immediate permanent residence for the 197780 group. as contemplated in H.R. 1510. is unfair to persons who have entered the country legally and now seek to reunify their families.
Keywords matched
undocumented illegal alien