Speech #980273424

Mr. Speaker. this bill was unanimously approved by the Subcommittee on Immigration. 4efugees. and International Law yesteTday and I know of no opposition to it. Hearings were held before the Subcommittee on May 9. 1984. and the administration supported Its enactment but preferred that this matter be considered within the context of the immigration reform bill. Because that bill is still in cnfe ence. it was decided to proceed separately at this time with this urgently. needed legislation. I wish to advise my colleagues that the language of this bill has previously been approved unanimously by *.the House when the immigration ref9rm bill was considered and the Senate conferees agreed to accept the House language during the early days of tie conference on the immigrant bill. As I indicated when this matter was considered on the House floor in June. the bill Is supported by the administration. religious. civic. and civil rights organizations. as well as the AFL--CIO and the U.S. Catholic Conference. It is noncontroversial legislation des. ignated to regularize the immigration status of those Cuban and Haitian entrants who have been in legal limbo for far too long. Authorizing these persons to adjust their status to permanent residence is an act of simple Justice and a demonstration of our deep concern for their plight. We must remove the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of these Cubans and Haitians so they can get on with their lives.