Speech #990284144

Mr. President. I rise today in support of the passage of the conference report of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985. We have before us. finally. an opportunity to act decisively to reform this Nations laws dealing with illegal immigration in a comprehensive and just manner. It is estimated that there are currently between 3 and 7 million illegal aliens in this country. between 200.000 and 250.000 in my own State of New York. The presence of so many illegal aliens within our borders is irrefutable testimony that our immigration laws are not working as they should. and reform of these laws is long overdue. An essential part of any such reform must contain provisions granting amnesty to illegal aliens and penalties for employers who hire any illegal alien not granted such amnesty. The necessity for both provisions to be enacted simultaneously is clear. Employers will not hire any illegal aliens. even those who have resided and worked here for many years. if they face penalties for doing so. Imposing such penalties without providing some degree of amnesty will leave millions of these individuals with no means of support. Inevitably. then. the American taxpayer will be forced to foot the bill. Fortunately. this bill does provide amnesty. for those illegal aliens who entered this country prior to January 1. 1982. enabling them to keep their current jobs and support themselves. Economics aside. this bill takes the important step of allowing these individuals the dignity and honor of supporting themselves and their families free from the fear of deportation. Together. the combination of amnesty and employer sanctions can reduce the influx of aliens by eliminating the attraction of jobs. and at the same time. protect those that have been living and working here for many years. Importantly. this bill authorizes the essential funds to meet the needs of these newly legalized residents.