Speech #1050100511

Speaker. I rise In opposition to H.R. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. I have had the opportunity this year to learn a great deal about Americas borders and the importance of securing the borders against illegal immigration. narcotic. and alien smugglers. and potential terrorists. Because of this. I have supported efforts by the chairman of our subcommittee to increase security along the southwest border of the United States. Because of the success along the southwest border. pressure has increased along the northern border. I recognize that there is a long tradition of openness between the United States and Canada along the northern border. but times are changing. and I believe our policies must adjust to reflect these changes. There have been numerous incidents of alien smugglers bringing in hundreds of illegal immigrants across the border between Ontario and upstate New York. One of the terrorists on trial for participating in the conspiracy to blow up the Lincoln Tunnel in New York entered the United States from Canada. The Canadian border must be as secure as the southern border. Otherwise. we might as well put a neon light over the Canadian border inviting immigrants to come across it with impunity. Section 110 provides that by October 1. 1998. the Attorney General will develop an automated entry and exit control system that will collect a record of departure of every alien departing the United States and match the records of departure with the records of aliens arriving in the United States. This would enable the Attorney General to identify folks who are overstaying their visas or staying in the country illegally. In fairness. the language of this bill is neutral on its face and makes no direct reference to Canada. Make no mistake about it. however. this bill is about treating Canada and the northern border differently from Mexico and the southern border.