Speech #1020166461

Mr. President. I rise today to introduce a bill amending the Immigration Act of 1990. My legislation will double the number of visas for qualified immigrants from adversely affected countries from 40.000 to 80.000. These visas are known as "Morrison visas." The 1990 Immigration Act was aimed at helping those from adversely affected countries immigrate to the United States. Presently. there are 40.000 Morrison visas for each fiscal year 1992 through 1994. Natives from 34 countries from which immigration was previously identified as having been "adversely affected" by the 1965 immigration reform legislation. would be affected by this bill. Many of these immigrants are from countries located in Eastern Europe. the Baltic States. and Ireland. They face difficulties in employment due to discrimination and economic dislocation in their home country. Many have family ties here and are even seeking family reunification. Immigrants from nations that were traditional sources of immigration found it more difficult to immigrate to the United States as a result of the 1965 legislation. The 1990 act sought to correct this but did not completely do so. My legislation will bring the number of adversely affected immigrants into balance with other categories of immigrants by doubling the number of allowable visas known as "Morrison visas." America. long a nation of immigrants. benefits greatly from the talents. skills. and knowhow of its immigrants. If we afford those qualified immigrants the chance to come to our country and Join their families. we continue the rich immigrant tradition that has been at the core of our Nation since its inception. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed following my statement.