[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS--GET YOUR GREEN CARDS HERE, QUICK AND EASY

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to share with my colleagues an 
advertisement in the January issue of the Orlando ``TV and Visitors 
Guide.'' This is in all the motel rooms in Orlando.
  It claims that green cards are being issued on a first come, first 
served basis by making just one phone call. Anyone can get one. The 
truth is that it is not that easy, and private companies are charging 
money for a free service. Workers are exploited by these misleading and 
often illegitimate companies.
  This is just another example of the problems of the immigration 
system and how badly the broken system needs to be fixed.
  All too often, immigrants bring in their so-called extended family 
who become dependent upon the welfare state. I am continually asked by 
my constituents, why is it so easy for noncitizens to receive SSI, food 
stamps and Medicaid, while they are having problems obtaining their 
benefits?
  The system, Mr. Speaker, is being abused, with the burden placed on 
our hard-working citizens. Immigration laws must be reformed to ensure 
noncitizens are self-reliant, instead of dependent upon the American 
taxpayers.

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