Speech #1040262229

Giuliani of New York City delivered an address at Georgetown University Law School about an obscure provision in the recently passed welfare legislation. The provision. section 434 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. states: Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal. State. or local law. no State or local government entity may be prohibited. or in any way restricted. from sending to or receiving from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) information regarding the immigration status. lawful or unlawful. of an alien in the United States. Mayor Giuliani said it would "create chaos in New York City." I agree with him that this provision is illadvised and threatens the public health and safety of residents of New York City. It conflicts with a 1985 executive order issued by thenMayor Edward I. Koch prohibiting city employees from reporting suspected illegal aliens to the INS unless the alien was charged with a crime. That executive order. which is similar to local laws in other States and cities. was intended to ensure that fear of deportation does not deter illegal aliens from seeking emergency medical attention. reporting crimes. and so on. An earlier version of this provision was first introduced in welfare legislation during the 103d Congress as a part of H.R. 3500. the Responsibility and Empowerment Support Program Providing Employment. Child Care. and Training Act. sponsored by Representatives Michel.