Mr. President. on March 20. I introduced a bill to permit spouses and children of permanent residents to receive visitor and student visas. This legislation would have removed the presumption that future immigrants would overstay their nonimmigrant visas simply because the Department of State has approved their petition for permanent residence. I had intended to offer this legislation as an amendment to the Foreign Operations bill. now pending before the Senate. It has become clear. however. no immigration legislation will pass during the remainder of the 102d Congress. In light of this fact. I have decided not to offer my amendment. Nevertheless. I strongly believe that Congress should pass this legislation into law as soon as possible. It is my understanding that the Chairman of the Senate Immigration Subcommittee. Senator KENNEDY. has agreed that consideration of the Riegle proposal regarding visas for spouses and children of permanent residents would be a top priority for the subcommittee in the 103d Congress. It is my further understanding that Senator KENNEDY has agreed that hearings on and consideration of this measure would take place early next year. so that It can be reported separately to the full Judiciary Committee and subsequently to the floor of the Senate for a vote. I appreciate the cooperation of the Senator from Massachusetts and look forward to moving this legislation forward.
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immigrants immigration visas Immigration