Speech #1010216577

Most of my colleagues probably remember that a few years ago I strongly opposed the socalled SimpsonMazzoli bill. I opposed it at that time because it seemed to me that the presenters of the bill purposely ignored the unification of families. an important provision not included in that bill. I also remember that that bill had a quota system that ignored the needs of people in this hemisphere. Increasing quotas for Europe. but not Latin America. nor Canada. The recommendations that are made in this bill were recommendations that I made to that bill at that particular time. and therefore. now. a few years later I am pleased that they are included in this piece of legislation before us. I agree that this is a good bill. that it is a real step forward. and of longterm benefit to this country. I am pleased to see that H.R. 4300 increases the number of visas available to the most backlogged family preference category. It revises the current labor certification process which is designed to ensure that immigrant workers do not take jobs away from qualified Americans. and also establishes a new diversity program to permit increased immigration from countries that have received relatively few visas over the past several decades. These provisions are most important and must be included in this piece of legislation. My colleagues probably also remember that just a few months ago we passed legislation right here in this House that made possible the immigration of people from Ireland with practically no restrictions whatsoever. I think that that was also good because they too add to the economic welfare of this Nation. But most importantly I see the fact that this piece of legislation establishes a more equitable visa category for spouses and children of permanent residents that would permit more rapid family reunification as they provide 115.000 more slots for permanent residentss spouses and minor children. It provides also a backlog reduction in visas for second and fifth preference. which is most important. This is something that I proposed. several years ago. but it Just seems that no one listened. I am glad that they are included in this piece of legislation. This bill when passed would also prevent the deportation of spouses and children of legalized permanent residents who arrived in the United States before January 1 of 1990. and this indeed makes this bill a family unification proposal. We passed legislation and we gave amnesty to thousands upon thousands of individuals. but said to them that they can stay in the U.S.. work on our farms. work in our restaurants. and our hotels. work wherever there is employment that Americans do not want. but you cannot be reunited with your families. Your children and your wife. we said if they are here will be subject to deportation. if they are elsewhere. they can not enter until they qualify under an unfair quota system. no matter how many years it will take. What that piece of legislation did at that particular time was encourage the violation of immigration laws. as wives and children did in fact join a spouse or parent in the United States. It was a mistake then to have done what we did. but now this bill will rectify that mistake. My colleagues. it is most important for the welfare of this Nation that we pass this legislation. The bill does improve immigration policy not only for people in this hemisphere. but improves immigration policy for people coming from all over the world.