Speech #1010050429

I am pleased to be a cosponsor of Senator GORTONs bill. I have worked closely with him in developing legislation to assist opr Chinese guests. and I appreciate the valuable role he has played in this effort. This bill incorporates the language of two amendments that passed the Senate unanimously last week: the MitchellDole and Gorton amendments to the legal immigration bill. In approving them. the Senate expressed its belief that Chinese students in the United States need a safe harbor until they can return home without fear. By introducing a bill that mirrors the amendments. we are attempting to ensure that relief is forthcoming even if the legal immigration bill moves slowly toward enactment. The bill works like this: First. the 2year foreign residency requirement would be waived. In other words. holders of "J" visas would not have to go back to China for 2 years before becoming eligible to apply for new United States visas or permanent residency. Second. all Chinese students here would be afforded legal status automatically. which means they could immediately apply for work visas or permanent residency. They would not enter the legal limbo that awaits those who seek assistance under the present deferred departure program. And they would not have to affirmatively request protection or declare their unwillingness to return homesomething the students are afraid to do. but which they must do to qualify for the existing Deferred Departure Program.