Mr. President. I rise to add my support to the provisions appropriating funds for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for fiscal year 1989. This bill. H.R. 2991. appropriates well over $800 million for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. As a member of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs. I am fully aware of the challenges the INS faces and its increasing responsibilities. This bill provides the Service with increased funds for equipment and personnel at the border and for other enforcement duties. The conferees have wisely urged the Immigration and Naturalization Service to enhance and improve its capabilities in the citizenship and naturalization area. I have been concerned about the delays experienced by those immigrants who want to apply to be U.S. citizens. Frequently. individuals who are qualified and desire to be U.S. citizens face 6 months to 1 year delays in their applications. This is the wrong picture for new Americans to see of the workings of our Government and I am hopeful that the new INS Commissioner will be able to make improvements in this area. Finally. let me thank the conferees for funding the Immigration Emergency Fund. This is a $35 million fund of particular interest to our colleague from Florida. Senator GRAHAM. and myself which at least in part will be available to reimburse State and local governments heavily impacted by immigration. This fund is authorized by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. but has not previously had money appropriated to it. I appreciate the conferees doing so for fiscal year 1990.
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