[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

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                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced legislation to provide 
new tools for the enforcement of child support orders in this Nation. 
In the process of shaping the 1996 comprehensive welfare reform bill it 
became clear that effective child support enforcement was among the 
best means this Nation has to end welfare as we know it. The bill I 
introduced today will assist State and Federal officials in dealing 
with some of their toughest delinquency cases.
  This legislation would establish tough enforcement measures for 
dealing with foreign nationals who are noncustodial parents with 
children living in this Nation. The bill would deny entry visas and 
residency status to those falling more than $5,000 behind in court-
ordered child support payments. In addition, naturalization could not 
take place until one is in compliance with support orders. The bill 
would allow these foreigners to attend court hearings and other related 
legal proceedings in this Nation. It also provides new authority for 
immigration officers to serve court orders, summons, and other legal 
process at the border--when we best know the whereabouts of foreign 
nationals.
  These provisions are similar to existing child support enforcement 
measures imposed on U.S. citizens, such as the denial of drivers and/or 
other professional licenses, as well as passports. These penalties also 
generally become applicable when one is more than $5,000 behind in 
payments. This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who 
could not collect ordered payments from a foreign national, though the 
irresponsible parent regularly traveled in and out of this country on 
business. As we make it tough on Americans who are irresponsible, we 
should do the same with foreign nationals.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation to 
provide new tools for child support enforcement. I would also ask that 
the text of the legislation be printed in the Record at this point.

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