[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       AID TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue which 
disturbs me to no end. Just last week, I introduced a bill, H.R. 849, 
to close a loophole that allowed an illegal immigrant to obtain $12,000 
in Federal housing assistance.
  One week ago, I sent letters to INS Director Doris Meissner and HUD 
Secretary Andrew Cuomo to find out just how this could have happened. 
Why did HUD not immediately contact the INS to report an illegal alien 
residing in this country? And why has INS still done nothing to address 
the situation? Mr. Speaker, this begs the question, what good are laws 
if our Federal agencies do nothing to enforce them?
  People write and call my office every day for an explanation. And 
it's not just my constituents. Word of this unbelievable act has spread 
from my hometown in southern California clear across the country. 
Hardworking Americans who know the value of citizenship want to know 
why their tax dollars continue to be given away to illegal immigrants.
  I urge my colleagues to support my legislation, H.R. 849, and to join 
in the call for an explanation of why this is still occurring. Mr. 
Speaker, the people want an answer.

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