I always say to them. "But what are we going to do about your people who are there illegally?" They say. "Well. just be sure that they are not exploited and that they are treated fairly." I say. "How do we do that when they are there illegally?" Then there is always a rather whimsical reference to the fact that that is a problem. is it not? And indeed it is. and it is a problem of dimension of 1.2 million coming across our southern border last year from 92 different nations who are exploited people in many senses. and that Is reality. But I can conceive of no reason whatever why the people of the United States should wish their present tattered immigration laws to be enforced less effectively and if we get some kind of immigration reform why that measure should be treated any less effectively. I have absolutely no doubt that that is what the American people would believe could have happened if this amendment were to pass. I think. finally. Mr. President. if circumstances would make a change in the immigration law desirable here. that should be accomplished in the normal constitutionally described fashion. and that is through the enact. ment of legislation and the involvement of both Congress and the President. That is the way to do that. in a normally. constitutionally prescribed fashion. and not through this means of suspension of a portion of the act. if. in the interest of either country. it were not in their best interest. So I hoped that perhaps this amendment would not confront us today. but I understand the personal depth of feeling of the Senator from Illinois.
Keywords matched
immigration