[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        FEDERAL IMMIGRATION POLICIES PLACE HUGE BURDEN ON STATES

  (Ms. SCHENK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SCHENK. Mr. Speaker, a report released yesterday by the Urban 
Institute confirms what those of us from States such as California, New 
York, and Texas already know--that our Federal immigration policies are 
placing an enormous burden on our States.
  The Clinton administration has taken an important first step toward 
helping States and local communities deal with the cost of illegal 
immigration. For the first time ever, an administration has requested 
money to reimburse State and local governments for the costs of 
incarcerating undocumented alien felons. But, the $350 million that has 
been requested is only a downpayment.
  Several weeks ago, this body passed a crime bill making full 
reimbursement mandatory by 1998. Immigration is a Federal issue and the 
incarceration of undocumented criminal aliens is a Federal 
responsibility. The Federal Government should accept its 
responsibility, so, let us include this in the final version, and let 
us get the crime bill to the President's desk.

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