Speech #1040086919

And many have come to work and be productive participants in the economy. But there is the matter of the Federal Government making a commitment to unrestricted access by foreign nationals via a treaty which falls disproportionately on local governments like that of Guam. This is not new to many areas of the country where a similar situation has resulted in "unfunded mandates." Bear in mind that this is legal immigration with no restrictionsno paperwork and no documentation. and all that is required for entry is an identification card from their own countrynot even Canada. which has open borders with the United States. has such favorable immigration treatment. This is a serious enough situation. but in the case of Guamit is far more egregious in its negative impact because of our small size and limited population. And in terms of the issue of the unfunded mandates. the commitment was not made verbally or through exchanges of letters by the Federal Governmentit was authorized in statute passed by this body in Public Law 99239. Public Law 99239. section 104(e)(6) states: There are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30. 1985. such sums as may be necessary to cover the costs. if any. incurred by the State of Hawaii. the territories of Guam and American Samoa. and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands resulting from any increased demands placed on educational and social services by immigrants from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. We call this reimbursement compactimpactaidthe assistance due local governments for the financial impact of the Compact of Free Association. Guam. due to its proximity. has received the greatest share of this immigration. Since the treaties went into effect. we now estimate that 6 percent of the total population of Guam is from these freely associated states. If the same percentage of immigrants were applied to the United States. there would be 15 million immigrants. And what is more startling is that this unrestricted immigration is entirely legal. The total cost to the Government of Guam since the inception of this immigration is in excess of $70 million. The Guam Memorial Hospital estimates an impact of $750.000 in costs in fiscal year 1994. and $2.55 million since 1986 to the Medically Indigent Program due to compact immigrants. Public housing assistance cost Guam $2 million in fiscal year 1994 and $7.5 million since 1986. I have also heard reports from one elementary school principal who must devote three classrooms. with teachers and aides. just to teach English and reading skills to immigrants. The total reimbursement given to Guam based on the law has been $2.5 million. This is all that has been given to Guam in reimbursement for this dramatic impact on our society and economy.