Speech #990084597

President. I rise in reluctant opposition to final passage of S. 1200. I say "reluctant" opposition because I think there are many worthwhile sections of the billfor example. the authorizations for INS border patrol and enforcement. the creation of a new criminal offense for bringing an alien to the United States. penalties against individuals who knowingly hire an alien who is not authorized for such employment. These and other provisions are workable and fair mechanisms for the United States to regain control of our borders and to overhaul our immigration laws. Many of these provisions were also contained in S. 2222 and S. 529. from the 97th and 98th Congresses. and accordingly. I voted for final passage of both prior bills. Unfortunately. I fear S. 1200 goes too far. and actually contains provisions which may adversely affect HispanicAmericans and other minority groups. The major difference between S. 2222 and S. 529. on the one hand. and S. 1200. on the other hand. is that the former legislation authorized legalization of undocumented workers shortly after enactment. but S. 1200 postpones legalization as much as 3 years following the Presidents signature. A 3 year difference is a long. long time. Mr.