Speech #990080223

Though my original goal was to have no legalization prior to the assurance of the development of a secure worker authorization system. I find the present bill language is acceptable. Under S. 1200. if current identifiers prove inadequate in stemming the flow of illegal aliens. the President is recuired to implement changes in the verification system to make it more secure. In addition. S. 1200 establishes a Legalization Commission to be composed of nine members appointed by the President. No person may be appointed who does not support the concept of the legalization program provided for in the bill. The major duty of the Commission is to report annually to Congress whether certain conditions have been met. Such conditions include the following: First. effective enforcement measures have been instituted and have adequate resources to curtail illegal immigration. Second. it is reasonably likely that these measures will continue to be in effect and to have adequate resources after legalization. and Third. enforcement has become effective enough to prevent legalization from serving as a stimulus to further illegal entry. The legalization program will begin after the Commission reports that the above conditions have been met. or 3 years after enactment. whichever is earlier. Therefore. we will ensure that the flow of illegal aliens is substantially curtailed prior to the granting of permanent residency to those eligible under the bill. The advantages of this proposal are apparent. Massive deportations are not only impractical but nearly impossible. The best chance of apprehending an illegal alien is at the border. The odds plunge drastically downward once that alien has reached the interior of the country. A massive deportation policy was implemented back in 1954 with alarming results. Not only was it unsuccessful in returning many illegal aliens. but the civil rights of many U.S. citizens and permanent residents were violated in the course of this program. The only realistic remedy to deal with the current population of undocumented workers is to legitimize their status in a way which will ensure that these prople continue to work and become productive and participating members of their communities. I believe legalization as embodied in S. 1200 accomplishes these goals. This bill is a carefully crafted package which must remain largely intact in order to pass both bodies and go to the Presidents desk for signature. It is my hope that we can move S. 1200 rapidly through the Senate. that in turn the House will act quickly. and the President will approve this bill by the end of the Congress. If we do not act now. it may be another 30 years before we return to the issue of immigration control. By that time the problem is guaranteed to be beyond congressional solutions.