New York City experienced over 1.600 deaths due to homicide in 1983. While we abhor the existence of any violent death. we should not introduce legislation providing asylum for all in the world who fear physical violence. This legislation also undermines the new Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which is only now being implemented. The purpose of the new comprehensive immigration was to develop a consisent immigration policy which would be enforced in an equitable manner. Under the new law. in order to obtain amnesty. illegal aliens must prove that they have continuously resided in the United States since before 1982. A grant of EVD would extend special privileges to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans. regardless of when they came or why. With the passage of the new immigration law. and the Refugee Act of 1980. Congress decided that a series of ad hoc responses to intermittent crises. as they arise over the years. was no substitute for an orderly immigration or refugee policy. While other illegal aliens would be unable to obtain legitimate employment as a result of the new law. under this legislation. all Salvadorans and Nicaraguans would have full employment rights. After reviewing the case in support of granting EVD for Salvadorans and Nicaraguans. one can only ask why other countries experiencing political strife around the world should not be equally or even more qualified for EVD status than these particular two countries. Amnesty International estimates that over 1 billion people live in countries where the Government routinely uses torture to keep itself in power.
Keywords matched
Immigration Refugee immigration illegal aliens refugee