Speech #1030066423

I rise to support the amendment offered by the gentleman from California and the amendment that is offered by the other gentleman from California. It is a commonsense amendment that ensures that any money spent in the National Service Program goes to benefit those for whom the program is intended. As stated. the bill prevents those who are not illegal aliens from receiving such benefits. This amendment simply says that it also will prevent organizations who might circumvent or ignore the law from also benefiting from those benefits. America has always extended open arms to immigrants from around the world We will continue to be a beacon of democracy that receives immigrants from around the world. but we must. at the same time. be certain that our policies do not encourage illegal immigration. The comments that were made earlier about the Statue of Liberty and how many immigrants come into this country. when they came into the harbor. in her shadows is also Ellis Island. where they went and asked permission to enter this country. and sought and were given permission so they could seek and share the American dream. There are few problems more pressing to our Nation than the rising costs of illegal immigration. I hope those Members who are opposed to spending Federal dollars on illegal aliens will support this amendment. And I point out that while this amendment eliminates moneys for most services to illegal aliens. it does make an exception for the provision of emergency medical services. Mr. Chairman. we do not know how many illegal aliens are residing in this country today. but it is estimated it is close to 5 million. It i difficult to identify the actual costs of the activities which are being provided for these illegal aliens. Even President Clinton has begun focusing on the problem associated with illegal immigration. I believe my colleagues amendment is a step in the right direction on immigration policies. We have to address the Federal policies that are serving as an incentive for illegal aliens to enter this country. Congress must revisit our immigration policies in a comprehensive fashion. The people of the Third District of Georgia believe that it is time that the Federal Government stop subsidizing illegal immigration. The amendment of the gentleman from California is a needed improvement in the National Service Trust Act.