Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of H.R. 2202. the Immigration In the National Interest Act of 1996. This act Is one of the most Important pieces of legislation this Congress will consider this year. Illegal immigration Impacts my State of California more than any other State in the union. In fact. it Is estimated that 1.7 million or 43 percent of all illegal immigrants reside In California. That is why the voters of California overwhelmingly supported proposition 187 which denies Statefunded benefits to illegal immigrants. I have been involved in combating the Illegal Immigration problem since I first became a Member of Congress. On the opening day of the 104th Congress. I Introduced a legislative package aimed at solving the illegal Immigration crisis. I am pleased that Chairman SMITH has chosen to incorporate some of my ideas into this legislation. First. this bill before us will Increase the size of the border patrol to 10.000 agents. I wholeheartedly support this effort to effectively control our borders. For too long. the Immigration and Naturalization Service has been unable to stop illegal Immigration at our borders. By increasing the resources at the border. by Increasing the number of border patrol agents who must patrol our borders every day. we can begin to stem the rising tide of illegal immigrants who cross our vast border unchecked. Second. this bill will help put an end to one of the greatest lures our country provides to immigrants who would attempt to cross illegailyand this is our Federal social safety net. It is no secret that in California. Illegal immigrants pose a serious burden on both State and Federal benefits programs. Immigrants as a whole account for over 20 percent of all households in California but they account for 40 percent of all benefit dollars distributed. By ending this Incentive and allowing Federal agencies to take reasonable steps to determine the alien status of those seeking benefits. we will be making great strides toward stopping illegal immigration. No longer will American taxpayers have to support people who are in this country illegally. Again. I want to thank Chairman SMITH and his capable staff for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a fine bill. In addition. I want to mention ELTON GALLEGLY and the Immigration Task Force which provided another avenue for Members to present ideas to help solve the illegal immigration problem. Let there be no mistake. Illegal immigration is a national problem. This is landmark legislation will go a long way toward ending it. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
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Immigrants as a whole account for over 20 percent of all households in California but they account for 40 percent of all benefit dollars distributed.