The farm labor provisions create a terrible disparity between individuals who have been here long enough to make some investment in a future in our country for themselves and their families and those who have worked in the United States for as little as 90 days. The criminal sanctions. even if necessary as a means of enforcement. are subject to criticism for vagueness as to what kind of "pattern or activity" would be prosecuted. And finally. and most significantly. there remain serious doubts as to whether employer sanctions will actually stem the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. or whether only hardship and discrimination against American citizens and those legally in this country. will result. But to my mind there are two features of this bill which demand support and override these other reservations. First. generous amnesty is provided for illegal aliens who have resided continuously in the United States since 1982. No one knows precisely how many people this will affect. but perhaps as many as 5 million individuals. from every country on Earth. will be offered the promise of American citizenship. Hopefully. this will move a growing underclass living in the shadows into the daylight of citizenship and opportunity. These individuals must become full partners in government and full participants in our society. not just the object of our concern. Immigration has always been in the national interest and the amnesty program in this bill represents the best of that tradition. There is no question that this initiative is viewed with trepidation. But overall. the results may prove to be extremely positive. The American people have grown suspicious of people different from themselves. especially those who speak a different language. Action on this legislation may demonstrate that the problem has been acknowledged and it may cause Americans to rekindle the spirit of generosity and understanding that is so much a part of our national character. Equally important. legalization will move millions of illegal aliens into the American mainstream. That means millions of new citizens. with real voting clout in their communities and in their States. It means the ability to determine their own political destiny and to significantly impact the future of the entire Nation. Second. this conference report specifically prohibits employment discrimination based on citizenship status or national origin and establishes a new civil rights office within the Department of Justice to enforce these antidiscrimination laws. No immigration reform bill previously presented to the Senate has contained such provisions and all attempts to offer such amendments were defeated. These antidiscrimination provisions are absolutely essential to the success of this experiment. The fact that this was finally acknowledged in conference is a major victory for those concerned for the civil rights of aliens and American citizens alike and it cannot be lightly cast aside.
Identified stereotypes
The American people have grown suspicious of people different from themselves, especially those who speak a different language.