Speech #1090059108

Mr. Speaker. passing the Central American Free Trade Agreement will not necessitate any changes in U.S. immigration law or U.S. visa policy. Congressional power over immigration policy will go unchanged when this important trade agreement takes effect. However. CAFTA will help prevent illegal immigration in the long run by improving economic conditions in the Central American countries. By stimulating their economy and creating jobs. the tide of illegal immigrants from these nations will decrease. Most individuals and families who come to the United States legally and illegally are simply seeking economic opportunity. The best longterm solution to illegal immigration can be achieved by encouraging economic freedom. as well as sustained growth. and the creation of sufficient opportunities and securities in their respective homelands. I support CAFTA because it will create new economic opportunities domestically and Internationally by eliminating tariffs. opening markets. permitting transparency. and establishing stateoftheart rules for 21stcentury commerce. By supporting and passing trade agreements such as CAFTA. the United States allows for greater economic incentives and opportunities in other countries. In turn. we will reduce the number of immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally. CAFTA is a trade agreement providing great opportunities for all nations involved.