Speech #1010043923

Pechiney Corp.. POMA of America. Inc.. and othershave come forward because of the particularly acute need which they have for immigrants in this category. The principal objection which has been advanced by the distinguished managers of the bill. Senator KENNEDY and Senator SIMPSON. has been that the amendment would call for an increase above the current cap of 600.000 allowed in from the legislation. I join with many of my colleagues who have spoken about the bill in complimenting Senator KENNEDY and Senator SIMPSON for their extraordinary diligence in bringing this bill to the floor. And really for their extraordinary diligence over the past decade or more. I heard Senator SIMPSON speak frequently and eloquently about his "10year sentence" on the Immigration Committee and subcommittee. which he chaired for many years. There has truly been an outstanding job done by Senator SIMPSON and Senator KENNEDY in bringing forth this legislation. I submit. Mr. President. that there is no magic in the number of 600.000. and that obviously immigration is a matter of great importance to the United States. and certainly. it is of great importance to the individuals who seek admission to the United States. I believe. Mr. President. that we ought to be constantly reminded of the roots of our country and the roots of our country being the immigrants. of course. in addition to the Indians. who are native Americans. This country has become a great country because we have been a country of immigrants. and my own preference. Mr. President. would be to have a number significantly larger than 600.000. providing that there could be a national control. in the interests of our country. which would have a qualitative effect on those who are being admitted into this country. I come to this issue. Mr. President. with a point of view. you might even say a substantial bias. because my parents were both immigrants. My father came to this country in 1911 at the age of 18 from Russia. It was not the Soviet Union then. He came to this country to escape the czars boot. He did not want to be constricted. He came with no rubles in his pcoket. having come in steerage from Russia. My mother came to this country at the age of 5 with her family. who came from a section of RussoRoland which had changed hands many times. That gives me. obviously. a very decided view of the status of an immigrant. I regret that I could not have been here earlier to discuss other amendments. but I have been occupied as vice chairman of the Hastings impeachment panel. which requires my attention. where we have established hours from 9 to 5:30. with an hourandahalf for lunch. I thank the managers of the bill for accommodating my schedule to be able to offer this amendment. substantially during the luncheon break.