Speech #1030117051

This can only help to enhance the environment of our hemisphere. Killing NAFTA would do nothing to improve the environment. A fifth major concern is that NAFTA will encourage an even greater flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico Into the United States. Studies have shown that just the opposite is true. The basic tenet of NAFTA is that lifting trade barriers between the United States. Canada. and Mexico will encourage economic growth and job creation in all three nations. This will create new and higher paying jobs in Mexico and will allow Mexican workers to find employment without having to illegally enter the United States looking for work. It is no secret that illegal aliens. given a choice between staying in their homelands and working. or illegally entering our Nation. prefer to stay in their homeland close to family and friends and the culture to which they have grown accustomed. Furthermore. some reports have found that with a growing economy and the dropping of trade barriers. many Mexican businesses will no longer need to locate along the United States border. By moving away from the border. the rate of illegal immigration will drop and the ability of U.S. law enforcement personnel to patrol our borders will improve. Mr. Chairman. there are many other issues that have been discussed in the two volumes and more than 3.700 pages that comprise NAFTA.