I am thankful to our colleagues. to the leadership. Senator MITCHELL and Senator DOLE. for giving us an opportunity to debate these issues. As was pointed out. this Is only the fourth time in the history of our country that we have attempted general immigration reform. It is significant that we have been able to dispose of this bill in the relatively short time that we have. Perhaps. Mr. President. this is because the basic proposals in this compromise bill have been before Congress for a full decade: In 197980 these reforms were first formulated and recommended by the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy (chaired by Father Hesburgh). upon which Senator SIMPSON. Senator DECONCINI and I all served. In 1982 the Senate first adopted the concept of this bill. the creation of a new "independent" immigration system. in the first Simpson/Mazzoli bill. In 1983 the Senate again adopted these provisions. but they were not considered in the House. In 1987 the first Kennedy/Simpson bill was introduced and adopted by the Judiciary Committee. and In 1988 the full Senate adopted the bill 88 to 4 on March 14.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration Refugee