Speech #1050083705

The patients which they accept for treatment would not be able to receive comparable care in Mexico. and the Shriners completely cover the costs of their travel and treatment to Houston. Texas. Regrettably. the visa processing fee. as provided in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for fiscal years 1994 and 1995. that is required to be charged on all immigrants entering the U.S. causes an undue hardship for these children. their families. and in particular the Shriners who volunteer their time and funds to assist them. My amendment would have prohibited the use of funds contained in this bill to enforce the visa processing fee for children entering the U.S. for prearranged medical care at a charitable hospital such as Shriners as well as for their accompanying parents and guardians. My office has been successful in obtaining an INS waiver of the border crossing free they charge for these children and their parents or accompanying guardian. As the State Department apparently does not have the authority to waive the visa processing fees under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. it is my hope that the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims will take this matter under consideration. in particular. providing for the authority to waive such fees when special situations such as the case of Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston warrants it.