Speech #990262562

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3737. legislation to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to deter immigrationrelated marriage fraud. As a cosponsor of this important measure. I share the concern expressed by many of my constituents about our inconsistent and often confusing immigration reforms. and have introduced several bills aimed at correcting serious immigration problems. I found myself unable to support the rule that would have allowed H.R. 3810. the Immigration Control and Legalization Amendments Act of 1985. to come to the House floor for consideration on September 26. 1986. Not only did the rule automatically add over 20 amendments directly to the bill. but it denied Members an opportunity to amend one of the most contentious issues of the legislationthe provisions granting permanent resident status to foreign farmworkers who could prove they had worked at least 60 days in American agriculture between May 1985 and May 1986. The continued frustration my constituents and I share over our immigration problems cannot continue. While this legislation is but a small step. it is certainly an important one. H.R. 3737 closes the marriage fraud loophole by requiring a 2year conditional residency period for an alien spouse. In order for the status to be adjusted to permanent resident. the couple must attend an interview within 90 days of the second anniversary of admission. If the interview reveals that the marriage is a lawful one and not entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining residency. the conditional status will be removed. If. however. the interview reveals that the marriage was fraudulent. deportation hearings would begin. Finally. criminal penalties are established for marriage fraud. Anyone who knowingly enters into a marriage to evade immigration laws is subject to a maximum fine of $250.000 or 5 years imprisonment. or both. There are many lawabiding individuals throughout the world who are desperate to become United States citizens and who have followed our laws without success. This legislation attempts to close one of the loopholes in our immigration laws that has allowed some to unfairly sidestep the law and gain permanent residency ahead of those who have waited for so long. Mr. Speaker.