Speech #1000043829

Believe that the INS can do a better job if they are given 4 more months. Let me briefly respond to a few of the arguments opponents of the extension provision make in attempting to strike it. They say that the extension sends the wrong message to employers and illegal aliens. I believe that we send the wrong signal by implementing a penalty system before we are prepared when the people affected by it do not understand it. and in conjunction with another complex system which by all accounts also has had its problems in getting off the ground. Let us keep in mind that the extension provision does not delay the date on which it became illegal to knowingly hire an illegal alien. It became illegal to knowingly hire an illegal alien on November 6. 1986. If the extension provision is enacted. it will be just as much a violation to knowingly hire an illegal alien between June 1. 1987 and September 30. 1987 as it was for the 6month period ending May 30. 1987. After October 1. the employer would be subject to sanctions for knowingly hiring an illegal alien during this entire 10month period. Another argument made by the opponents of the extension is that it undermines the balance between enforcement and legalization. I would say again that the extension provision does not delay the date on which it became a violation to knowingly hire an illegal alien. The provision will not further encourage illegal immigration because an individual arriving now will not be eligible for legalization and will subject an employer. after October 1. to sanctions if knowingly hired. The fact is that our immigration policy has always had an imbalance between enforcement and our knowing acceptance and dependence on illegal aliens. If this act corrects this imbalance. let us do it properly. Finally. opponents argue that there is no justification for the delay.