Speech #990284249

I was one of the 30 votes opposing the bill back in 1985. and I do not support the version of the bill before us today. I oppose this version of S. 1200 primarily because it includes amnesty and "legalization" provisions. I believe that these provisions will not only counteract the positive provisions included elsewhere in this billthey will gut the effect of employer sanctions and improved Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] resourcesbut they also represent a basic unfairness that is unworthy and offensive to the millions of lawabiding immigrants who wait years to enter this country legally. The amnestylegalizationprovision that is contained in this conference report includes the House provision granting temporaryresident status to illegal aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1. 1982. and who have resided here continously since. This date represents a compromise from the original Senateprescribed date of January 1. 1980a date I find less distasteful. but nevertheless a date which I could not support. After 18 months. instead of the 30month provision included in the Senate bill. these aliens will become permanent residents. assuming they meet certain other relevant conditions. Within 5 years. these aliens. formerly illegals. may now become citizens of the United States. It is my understanding that these provisions apply to any illegal alien. in any line of employment. or unemployment. and not just agricultural workers. Another legalization provision. one which I find to be even less justifiable. is the provision which applies only to agricultural workers harvesting perishable crops. This provision establishes classifications by which illegal aliens working in this country for as little as 90 days. may be granted amnesty or may be legalized. The bill sets up a twotier legalization system: Tier 1 allows illegals who resided temporarily90 daysbetween May 1985 and May 1986. to receive 2year temporary status. and after 2 years in that status. they could apply for permanent status. There is no cap whatsoever on the number of aliens who qualify under this tier.