[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CORRECTING THE IMMIGRATION LAW

                                 ______


                            HON. RANDY TATE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce a simple piece of 
legislation designed to fix a major flaw in U.S. immigration law. Over 
the past decade, the subject of immigration has captured the interest 
of the American people. This year, it has moved to the forefront of the 
political arena in Washington, DC. Major bills have been introduced in 
both the House and Senate to control illegal immigration and reform 
legal immigration. The bill I bring to the floor today is not a 
sweeping solution to our immigration woes, but a strong step in the 
right direction.
  From the time of our forefathers, U.S. immigration policy has 
provided the opportunity for millions of people to come to America to 
help us build the strongest, most prosperous democracy in the world. In 
more recent years, however, many have begun to take advantage of our 
open door policy. Today, some believe that immigration to the United 
States is a right instead of a privilege.
  The Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that 300,000 
people enter the United States illegally every year, and 3.8 million 
currently live in this country illegally. These people are taking 
advantage of American generosity and openness without regard for our 
laws or our principles. Mr. Speaker, that is not what America is all 
about.
  Illegal immigrants come to the United States at the expense of those 
who choose to play by the rules and come to America legally. Most 
Americans probably don't even know it, but our laws do not penalize 
individuals who intentionally cross our borders illegally. Under 
current law, any individual who enters the United States illegally and 
is deported is still eligible for legal immigration later. Despite the 
fact that they have already broken one of our laws, illegal immigrants 
are provided the same privileges under U.S. immigration law as anyone 
else.
  I am introducing legislation today to put an end to this madness. 
Under my bill, if an individual breaks our immigration laws by 
intentionally entering the United States illegally, he or she will 
never again be eligible for any kind of temporary or immigrant visa. 
Not 1 year later, not 20 years later, never. We need to use our 
precious immigration resources wisely instead of wasting them on people 
who have no respect for American laws.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to 
stand up for honesty and integrity. Thank you.

                                H.R. --

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. REVISION TO GROUND OF INADMISSIBILITY FOR ILLEGAL 
                   ENTRANTS AND IMMIGRATION VIOLATORS.

       (a) Aliens Previously Deported.--Section 212(a)(6)(A) (8 
     U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(A)) is amended by--
       (1) Inserting after ``Any alien who'' the following: ``had 
     the intent to illegally enter the United States and''; and
       (2) striking ``and who again seeks admission within one 
     year of the date of such deportation''.
       (b) Certain Aliens Previously Removed.--Section 
     212(a)(6)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(B)) is amended by--
       (1) inserting after ``Any alien who'' the following: ``had 
     the intent to illegally enter the United States and''; and
       (2) striking ``and (a) who seeks admission within 5 years 
     of the date of such deportation or removal, or (b) seeks 
     admission within 20 years in the case of an alien convicted 
     of an aggravated felony,''.

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