Modest but important steps have been taken by the Senate that reaffirm our commitment to this issue. Last year. the Senate adopted an amendment that I offered to the comprehensive crime bill which would create a new civil fine imposed on any individual who induces or coerces an alien to commit an aggravated felony. The money collected from this fine is to be deposited in the criminal alien identification and removal fund and used to assist the INS and the States to identify and deport alien felons and to fund any of the 20 additional immigration judge positions created under last years immigration bill. The amendment that we have before us right now. Mr. President. also represents an important step. This amendment will authorize the Attorney General to investigate its current personnel and work levels and hire. if needed. any additional immigration judges and support personnel that were called for in last years Immigration Act. It is my expectation that this additional support is needed if we are to move closer to reaching our goal. one that will result in alien felons taking their first step outside a prison into a waiting vehicle. its destination beyond the borders of our Nation. This amendment will be of great importance to our efforts toward assisting the INS and the States inI their efforts to identify and deport alien felons.
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