Speech #1010216541

I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. and I rise in support of the rule. Mr. Speaker. the bill we are currently debating is the most important immigration legislation to come out of this Congress. and I am proud to voice my support for it. Family unification is the cornerstone of immigration to the United States. Prolonging the separation of spouses from each other. and from their children. is inconsistent with the principles on which this nation was founded. Yet current law. causes this to occur all too often. H.R. 4300 would substantially correct this shortcoming. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens are already exempted from the numerically limited preference system. so that close family members can be together. Recognition of the same special family relationship for the spouses and children of permanent residents would go a long way toward achieving the laudable and humanitarian goal of family reunification. Furthermore such provisions embody sound public policy. An Immigration system which provides for the speedy reunification of close family members. will aid in defusing the frustration of separation families that often spurs illegal immigration. Commonsense and compassion argue for adoption of this bills provision for reduction of the backlog in the second and fifth preference categories. Lengthy backlogs. such as the ones of as long as 20 years currently suffered by some nationalities under the fifth preference would be substantially shortened. These measures reinforce the position of family values as the cornerstone of U.S. Immigration policy. The family structure is one of our great Nations strongest assets. Promoting family immigration would show that we still believe that the family is this countrys most important social network. But families separated by harsh immigration policies are not the only ones who deserve to obtain the help this measure provides. The Irish and other adversely affected groups. would gain denied justice in the immigration arena from the enactment of H.R. 4300. Present law. by nearly excluding these groups from the competition for available visas. has virtually eliminated them from the immigration process. This measure would ensure the just treatment of such immigrants. It would establish a longneeded diversity visa program favoring those from currently underrepresented parts of the world. and providing temporary priority for those among these groups who are seeking employment here. Additionally. muchneeded transition provisions would let a limited number of natives of adversely affected countries. already living here apply for permanent residence. As one who has witnessed a steady influx of illegal immigrants from these countries. especially the Irish. I am greatly encouraged by the prospect of allowing these people to stop living their lives in the shadows. as the flaws inherent in the present law. force them to do. I look forward to the day when these immigrants are allowed to become content. productive. legal residents of the United States. Fairness and Jurtice in the immigration system must be achieved. H.R. 4300 would bring fairness and Justice to families separated from their loved ones. and to potential immigrants from under represented nations. Much of the frustration which incites illegal immigration would be drastically reduced. I urge my colleagues to keep these worthy aims in mind. and join me in support of this bill. When the time comes to vote upon this legislation.