Speech #990016050

But. the word has a broader and an uglier connotationthe racist reference to those who live south of our border with Mexico. Now. Texas is south of Indiana. and commonsense suggests that where geography is concerned. the problems associated with illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America are felt most acutely near the river. where backs get wet. I was born near that river and I represent a district which includes 230 miles of the border. somewhere on the order of 12 percent of the 2.000mile border Mr. Simcox referred to. I do not doubt that Mr. Simcox intended to use the term "illegal alien" rather than "wetback." This is inconsequential. I believe Mr. Simcox does not know why he intended to say "illegal alien" rather than "wetback." I doubt that Mr. Simcox has been to south Texas. I doubt that Mr.