Mr. Speaker. after many long hours. months. and even years of debate. I am pleased that the House today passed immigration reform legislationa monumental event. Two years ago at this time. the House and Senate passed their own versions but then the measure became deadlock during conference and time ran out on the 98th Congress. This Congress witnessed courageous resolve by many Members determined to effect immigration reform before the 99th Congress ends. Those who helped to orchestrate this measure to passage are to be commended. Mr. Speaker. while there is wide agreement that immigration reform is necessary. there are a sufficient number of issues involved such as amnesty. employer sanctions. and foreign agriculture workers. which make reform a divisive issue. The bill that came before the floor today covered all these areas and difficult compromises were worked out. I must admit that the bill is not perfect. containing such provisions as granting agriculture workers temporary resident status even if they worked for just 90 days on a farm.
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immigration