Speech #1040083092

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to introduce the Immigration Enforcement Improvements Act of 1995 on behalf of the Clinton administration. This bill builds upon the strong effort this administration has been making to control Illegal immigration. This administration has done more to close the door on illegal immigration than any previous administration. With expected increases this year and next. border control staffing will have Increased by 51 percent since President Clinton took officeincluding border patrols and inspectors at border crossing points and airports. Deportation of illegal immigrants has tripled and the removal of criminal aliens has been targeted. The budget of the INS has increased by over 70 percent from $1.5 billion in 1993 to $2.6 billion requested for 1996. The President. the Attorney General. and INS Commissioner Doris Meissner should be credited for their effective leadership and commitment to rising to the challenge of illegal immigration. The legislation introduced today gives the administration a number of tools to control our borders more effectively. to combat illegal hiring and to remove those who are here in violation of our laws. The bill would make realistic Increases In border enforcement personnel without jeopardizing the quality and safety of Border Patrol officers and inspectors. Border control officers know best what resources they need to do their job effectively. and this bill responds directly to their needs. The bill Imposes stiff penalties for smuggling of Immigrants. document fraud and other offenses. The bill authorizes pilot programs to test ways to verify that job applicants are eligible to work in the United States. The goal Is to find simple and effective ways of denying jobs to illegal Immigrants to help eliminate the reason why immigrants enter this country illegally. The bill promotes coordination on workplace enforcement between the INS and the Department of Labor. since employers who hire undocumented workers often also violate other labor standards. Finally. the bill expedites the removal of criminal aliens by eliminating some procedures and redtape. I commend the administration for their Initiative and I look forward to working with my colleagues to produce legislation that deals thoughtfully with the serious challenges we face.