Speech #1030057095

Mr. Speaker. today I am introducing a resolution which will send a strong message to President Clinton that Congress will no longer accept the uncontrolled flow of illegal aliens to the United States. State and county governments have been financially devastated by this nations inability to enforce current immigration laws. As a result. State and local governments are suffering budget shortfalls which limit their ability to fund essential services to American citizens. Without a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal immigration. undocumented aliens will continue to take advantage of local health. welfare. and education services. If we are to have any success in resolving this problem. we must act now before it Is too late. In an effort to combat illegal immigration. I am introducing a resolution which seeks to improve United StatesMexico cooperation in controlling illegal immigration. The resolution urges the Clinton administration to improve bilateral cooperation in controlling illegal immigration during negotiations currently underway with the Government of Mexico on a side agreement to NAFTA addressing labor concerns. While NAFTA could solve many of Mexicos current economic woes in the future. it is generally acknowledged that even under the best circumstances. it will take years before the Mexican economy can provide the jobs needed to accommodate the expanding labor force. Therefore. in the short term. experts have speculated that illegal immigration will increase as a result of job displacement in Mexico should NAFTA be ratified. Clearly. illegal immigration is an important component of bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico. Unfortunately. Immigration Issues were removed from NAFTA negotiations early In the process. In light of the devastating impact Illegal Immigration has on the United States and especially my home State of California. I am hopeful my colleagues will join me in supporting this Important resolution which focuses on the problem of illegal Immigration. Mr. Speaker. the combination of continued illegal immigration. increased taxes. and job displacement is too much for the American worker to accept.