Speech #990113047

I rise in support of a relatively modest provision in the Commerce. Justice. and State appropriations bill. The Immigration and Naturalization Service has proposed closing the northern regional office in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Several of my colleagues and I requested that the Appropriations Committee prevent funding for 1 year for the reorganization of the INS regional offices and specifically the closing of the northern regional office. because of our grave concerns about the effect of the closing of that office. The northern regional office is one of the most efficient of the regional offices. with a staff of experienced and dedicated immigration personnel. Close working relationships between the northern regional staff and Canadian authorities have developed over the years. along with regional expertise on problems unique to this area. Also. this reorganization appears to leave our northern border weak and vulnerable. giving the majority of attention to the southern border.