[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO MAKE CORRECTIONS IN ENGROSSMENT OF H.R. 2202, 
            IMMIGRATION IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT OF 1995

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                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
opposition to H.R. 2202 as amended. Although I have long been, and will 
continue to be, a supporter of many of the initiatives contained in the 
bill to fight illegal immigration, I must vote against the bill because 
of some of the more extreme provisions.
  In my home State of Texas, illegal immigration is indeed a problem, 
and I support the strong border protection provisions of the 
legislation. I also want to acknowledge the Texan cosponsors of the 
bill. Mr. Smith and Mr. Bryant, for their hard work in crafting this 
legislation.
  I was most gratified that the House adopted an amendment which 
removed the legal immigration provisions of the bill, which allows this 
distinct issue to be dealt with under separate legislation. The Senate 
has already moved to divide the legal and illegal provisions, and I 
believe this is the wisest course for this House to follow.
  For just a moment, I would like to comment about legal immigration. I 
remain a strong supporter of legal immigration, which has a positive 
benefit on America. Not only does legal immigration assist our country 
culturally, it also helps our economy. Legal immigrants to the United 
States pay $25 billion a year more in taxes than they receive in 
services. Usually, immigrants are of working age, which explains their 
benefit to the overall economy. The United States admitted 7.5 million 
legal immigrants in the 1980's, yet in that decade the unemployment 
rate fell. Legal immigrants begin business in this country, which 
employ Americans. In sum, legal immigration is a tradition in America 
which improves our lives.
  With respect to the provisions of H.R. 2202, I have objections to the 
bill, which I hope can be worked out in conference. The House adopted a 
provision which will give States the option to deny public education to 
illegal aliens. This provision, which will be challenged in court and 
is likely unconstitutional, is mean-spirited and does not advance the 
goals of the overall bill. These children that seek an education will 
now be turned away, while educators will be turned into Immigration and 
Naturalization Service workers, adding to their burden unnecessarily. 
And what will these children do? Does the House really expect something 
positive from turning children out of the school house and into the 
street? This is one reason I oppose the bill in its current form, and I 
hope this provision is deleted in conference.

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