Speech #990274992

Mr. Speaker. today I am introducing a new positive approach to immigration. one that combines economic opportunity and jobs. The issue of immigration has been considered as a domestic matter for too long. Last years debate over the SimpsonMazzoli immigration bill focused on the need for the United States to regain control of its borders by instituting employer sanctions or by increasing border enforcement. What is evident to me is that immigration is a multilateral issue between the United States and other recipient nations and all nations whose lesser developed economies and/or internal political turmoil contribute to the flow of emigrants. This view was confirmed by what members of the congressional Hispanic caucus saw and heard on their trip to Latin America last December. During out stop in Mexico. we found a willingness among Mexican officials to discuss important bilateral issuesincluding the problem of undocumented migration. The bill I am introducing today is in part a response to those talks. The United StatesMexico Border Revitalization Act of 1985 would create a free trade land coproduction zone along the United StatesMexican border. establish a United StatesMexican Bilateral Commission. initiate a joint United StatesMexico Development Bank. and develop a Multilateral Commission on Immigration. I am pleased to announce that as of today four members of the congressional Hispanic caucus are original cosponsors of the bill Congressman HENRY B. GONZALEZ of Texas.