Speech #990082745

However. Mr. President. if there is one certainty that has clearly emerged from efforts to produce immigration legislation. it is the complete uncertainty as to Just how many illegal aliens actually reside in the United States. In fact. the same CBO report that projects the number of illegal aliens in the United States eligible for legalization under S. 1200 at 570.000 states that: "The estimates presented here are very uncertain." If the Budget Office is incorrect in the many assumptions it used. such as ages. sex. and number of illegal aliens in the country. "actual costs of the alternatives costed here could be well above or below CBOs estimates." For this reason and because State costs will peak during years 4. 5. and 6. it is important to include extra funds. Thus. if the actual numbers are double the CBO projection of 570.000. our States and localities will have a guarantee that the Federal Government will help bear the burden of the costs during the 6year period these individuals are ineligible for Federal public assistance. Similarly. if the CBO numbers prove correct. then aside from allowing Federal reimbursement for 6 years instead of 3 this amendment will cost the Federal Government not one penny more than the $1.8 billion contained in S. 1200.