Speech #1000041281

Mr. President. America is a nation which was built by immigrants from many lands who came to our shores seeking the opportunities and freedoms that our Nation promised. We have grown and prospered as a result of the contributions that each new wave of immigrants made to our young country. Last years celebration of the Statue of Libertyfor generations the symbol of Americas welcoming shoreshighlighted once more our roots as a nation of immigrants. Now. in 1987. we face a new challenge in extending a welcome and helping hand to a new generation of immigrants. May 5 marked an historic event with the beginning of the legalization program provided for under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Public Law 99603. This humanitarian program offers millions of undocumented aliens who have been living and working in communities throughout this Nation the opportunity to emerge from the dark shadows of an underground world to become legal residents. Many of the families eligible for the legalization program have lived in this country for many years. The legalization program is a humane effort to recognize and legitimize the existence of these families. I am very hopeful that implementation of this program will help make the American dream a reality for the millions of undocumented aliens with deep ties and commitments to our Nation. However. like many. I am deeply concerned that some aspects of the implementation process may prevent many deserving. hardworking individuals and family members from benefiting from this program. The entire purpose of the legalization program will be undercut if overly stringent procedures prevent vast numbers of aliens from qualifying and intimidate others from even applying. In the past several months. I submitted a number of comments on the proposed regulations for the legalization program to the Attorney General and the Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. I am gratified that a number of my suggestions have been incorporated into the final regulations. producing in many areas a more realistic approach consistent with the intent of Congress. Nevertheless. there are a number of areas where I am convinced changes must be made in order to make the program work and reach those Congress intended to help.