Speech #990275037

Mr. Chairman. I rise in opposition today to H.R. 3810. the Immigration Reform Act of 1986. My opposition to H.R. 3810 does not mean I am opposed categorically to immigration reform. for I am not. Nor does it mean I oppose legal immigration. for I do not. However. I am opposed to several of the provisions affecting illegal immigrants contained in the immigration reform bill we are considering today. I am a native of and represent a southern border StateTexas. I am well aware of the problems associated with illegal immigration: The costs to public education. the costs to public hospitals. the costs for public health services. the increase in criminal activity and job displacement. I do not believe that State and local governments in my home State of Texas or in any other State should be burdened by these increased social costs associated with the failure to control our border. I feel the solution is to provide more resources to patrol and control the border and to enforce our laws. The solution is not to grant amnesty. or legalization. thereby legitimizing previous illegal actions by an unknown number of aliens. How many illegal aliens qualify for amnesty? No one knows. There could be over 1 million illegal aliens in Texas alone who will be granted amnesty under this bill. I oppose legalization. However. should this bill becomne law. thereby legalizing an unknown number of illegal aliens. I believe it is only right that the Federal Government be reponsible for the accompanying social costs. Therefore. I support the arnemdments to the health provisions approved by the Committee on Energy and Commerce which were incorporated as original text with the adoption of the rule. Mr. Chairman. these health provisions are critical for States like Texas that likely would have substantial numbers of illegal aliens applying for permanent resident status should this bill become law. I would urge the House to insist on retaining these provisions should the House find itself in conference with the other body on this bill. In addition to amnesty.