Speech #990262510

I am very happy that we are completing action on the INS efficiency bills. H.R. 4823 and H.R. 5559. H.R. 4823 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to streamline the current legalization process and ease certain restrictions on legal immigration into the United States. The Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] administers the Immigration and Nationality Act which defines aliens and sets forth the conditions under which they may enter the United States. The act forms the cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy. Mr. Speaker. this legislation amends sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act which establish the preferences for admitting immigrants and define "special immigrant status." In addition. it amends sections of the act governing exclusion and deportation to: First. waive illiteracy and mental illness as grounds of exclusion of the sole surviving sibling (of a U.S. citizen) over the age 55. second. authorize deportation for immigrants who do not engage in the profession of which they were admitted under the third and sixth preferences within 1 year of entry. and third. provide that the requirement that an immigrant have certain continuous presence in the United States is not violated by brief. casual. and innocent absences. The measure also requires annual reports to Congress on suspensionofdeportation cases. The bill clarifies that INS may detain aliens temporarily pending inquiry into their right to enter the United States. but that such aliens must be released on bond. unless they pose a danger to the community or are likely to flee.