Mr. Chairman. we have gone too far. We have a very serious problem that is out of control with regard to illegal immigration and we have a legal immigration problem in this country that is badly in need of reform. This bill goes in tremendous strides to taking care of that problem. It is vitally important that we keep both of those aspects together in this bill. Legal immigration and illegal immigration are related to each other in so many ways. It is vitally important that we keep both in mind as we work to reform this very important process. Mr. Chairman. we do a number of things to crack down on illegal immigration. which the Immigration Service says now numbers more than 4 million people in this country without authorization. I would suggest that that estimate is very. very low. based upon my experience. This is a problem that covers every aspect of our country. This bill increases border enforcement agents. it increases barriers at the border. it increases penalties for alien smuggling. it increases penalties for document fraud. a serious problem with people who enter legally but then get fraudulent documents to remain here. It has provisions to expedite the removal of deportable aliens. It has the authority for the Attorney General to designate to State and local governments the ability to assist in apprehending those who are illegally here. It has a very excellent employer verification program. I will support the amendment that makes that mandatory on a trial basis in five of the seven States that have the largest problem with illegal immigration. This bill reforms our agricultural worker program. and it has restrictions on benefits to aliens. It is an outstanding bill.
Keywords matched
Immigration deportable immigration border enforcement illegal immigration