Speech #1010035345

The Federal Government must insure that limited Federal funds go to their intended beneficiaries. The Congress made good progress in requiring verification of status for certain entitlement programs and in authorizing the systematic alien verification for entitlement programs better known as the "save" program. However. these steps contained In the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 can only be as effective as the interpretations of the various underlying benefit statutes. I expect the opponents of this legislation to ask for sympathy for the illegal aliens who have come to depend on the generosity of Uncle Sam. They will certainly cite some compelling stories about illegal aliens in unfortunate situations. I am most sympathetic. However. there are stories as dire and compelling among our own citizens. When our Nation is facing large Federal deficits and the constraints of the GrammRudman law. Federal dollars paid to an illegal alien. sympathetic or otherwise. are literally dollars taken away from one of our own citizens. This legislation gives the Congress an opportunity to set the record straight in a comprehensive manner. This measure is both a means to control illegal immigration and means to control budget deficits. Without the real or perceived attraction to Federal benefits. illegal Immigration will be deterred. Without the seepage of benefits away from intended beneficiaries. money will be saved. I introduced this legislation In the last Congres...