Speech #1010043996

Mr. President. I agree with much of what the distinguished Senator from North Carolina has said in terms of an articulation of what is in the best interests of the United States and that we ought not care what country the immigrants come from. but what can those immigrants do for the United States. And that the concern ought to be on productivity and competitiveness in the world market. Senator HELMS has recited the calls which he has received from people in his State. This Senator has received similar calls and similar requests. It was on the basis of those calls and requests. and from quite a number of organizations. including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. attorneys for the immigration societies. that this amendment has been offered. The amendment with the Senator from North Carolina is offering is very close to the amendment which he offered yesterday. It is similar if not identical in principle. because he sought to add yesterday some 37.200 visas. contrasted with 34.400 in this second degree amendment. And he sought to take them out of the category. as I understand it. of the fifth preference and that amendment. offered by the distinguished Senator from North Carolina. was defeated yesterday by a vote of 71 to 27. I believe it is fair to say that the vote reflected the sentiment of this body that we ought not to deprive any potential immigrant from existing categories from coming to this country. even if it meant bringing in highly skilled professionals and that the numbers which had been worked out for each category in the existing bill ought to be maintained and respected. I believe that it is fair to say that. simply by substituting other preferences. in going to the first preference which involved unmarried adult sons and daughters of citizens for the second preference. spouses and children of residents. and limiting that group by 11.000. unmarried adult sons and daughters of citizens. that the American people do not want to eliminate that category of potential immigrant or the 11.000 which the Senator is proposing. from spouses and children of residents or the 14.400. which I believe was the figure he just recited from special immigrants. So that the reality is that based upon the very decisive vote yesterday. 71 to 27. that it is not the will of this body to reduce existing categories in order to have this businesssponsored category to help with productivity. As the vote is currently structured. there will first be a vote on Senator HELMS seconddegree amendment. and I would urge my colleagues to reject that amendment really on the basis that it has already been decided. substantially.