Mr. President. I support the overriding of the Presidents veto of H.R. 2712. the Emergency Chinese Immigration Relief Act. that passed unanimously last year. H.R. 2712 assures Chinese students on J1 exchange visitor programs that they can adjust their immigration status without the usual requirement that they return home for 2 years. The waiver contained in this bill gives them the option of either remaining or returning without having their cases adjudicated on an individual basis. H.R. 2712 also provides a 4year relief period in which they can apply for other types of visas or to seek status as permanent residents. Despite the Presidents assurances provided in his veto message that his administrative actions obviate the neeol for H.R. 2712. it is clear that these measures are insufficient for three principal reasons. First. as a recent memorandum on this issue from the American Law Division of the Library of Congress makes clear. and I quote: The Administrations measures to grant immigration relief to PRC nationals may raise serious legal issues to the degree that they are beyond authority In current statute and concomitant regulation. Changing the law would resolve any doubt remaining in law concerning their status. Second. the Presidents initiative has not provided the assurances needed by Chinese students resident in the United States.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration visas