Speech #1010216637

Chairman. I would like to commend the work of the House Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means for expediting the consideration of the bill before us today. H.R. 4300. the Family Unity and Employment Opportunity Immigration Act of 1990. This bill is a much needed and comprehensive remedy to legislation enacted by Congress In 1965 which modified the formula for determining the number of people allowed to immigrate into the United States from particular countries. This 1965 legislation adversely affected the number of visas available for immigrants. and especially from certain European countries. including Ireland. There has been an effort over the last few years to address this problem and help equalize the visa distribution process. In 1986. Congress passed the Immigration Reform Act which established a framework to increase the number of visas authorized to the countries that the State Department had designated as adversely affected by the 1965 legislation. In 1988 Congress also authorized the State Department to make available 15.000 additional NP5 visas to these countries In each of fiscal years 1989 and 1990. Although this NP5 program has been enormously successful in allowing legal entry for thousands of Irish immigrants. much more needs to be done to aid the estimated 200.000 Irish now residing illegally in the United States. H.R. 4300 is certainly a step in that direction. H.R. 4300 addresses the regional labor shortages by facilitating immigration and unites family members with immigrants now residing In the United States. The bill authorizos the allocation of 25.000 vis is per year for 3 years to undocumented aliens of the 35 adversely affected countries. This includes the undocumented Irish and it has been endorsed by the Irish Immigration Reform Movement. As we celebrate the renovation of Ellis Island. it is important to remember that this is a nation of immigrants. Our country was built by people who left their native lands to seek greater opportunities in America. The majority who land on our shores continue to be hardworking. selfsufficient members of society. taxpaying contributors to State. local. and Federal Governments. and the source of new ambition and ideas necessary to a healthy free market economy.