Speech #990279024

S. 1200 provides more lenient amnesty provisions than I would prefer. Aside from the fundamental inequity of any twotiered legalization system. I fear these amnesty provisions will have a damaging impact on local governments who must bear the increased costseducational. health. and othersassociated with legalization of a large number of illegal aliens. However. I do recognize that some amnesty is needed if we are to formulate a politically balanced bill and regard the amnesty provisions as acceptable. The overriding need to control our borders compels me to support this bill. and I do so with a sense of urgency and hope. S. 1200 imposes civil and criminal penalties on those employers who knowingly hire undocumented aliens and provides additional resources for enforcement agencies. The primary reason for the influx of aliens is the prospect for gainful employment. Until and unless employers are threatened with civil and criminal penalties. there is little hope that the United States will be able to stem the flow of illegals pouring into the United States. Moreover. unless our Federal agentsthe INS and Border Patrolare given the resources necessary to control the border and efficiently process legalization petitions. the lure of successful illegal entry will drive aliens across our border. S. 1200 acts responsibly in these two important areas. In closing.