[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WYDEN:
  S. 2509. A bill for the relief of Rose-Marie Barbeau-Quinn; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.


               for the relief of rose-marie barbeau-quinn

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am here today to introduce 
legislation that will allow a valuable member of the Portland, Oregon, 
community to become a permanent resident of the United States of 
America. Rose-Marie Barbeau-Quinn, a native of Canada, has lived in 
Portland since 1976. Together with her husband, Michael Quinn, she ran 
the Vat and Tonsure Tavern, a unique and popular restaurant that was a 
favorite of many of my constituents.
  While Ms. Barbeau-Quinn and her husband, an American citizen, were 
together for over 16 years, their marriage did not take place until 
shortly before Michael's death in 1991. Since Rose-Marie and Michael 
were not formally married for the two years required by immigration 
law, and despite their 16 years together living as husband and wife, 
Rose-Marie has not been able to file for permanent residency in this 
country.
  This legislation will correct their injustice, and allow Rose-Marie 
to be a permanent resident of the country she loves and has called home 
for over 20 years. I first learned of Ms. Barbeau-Quinn's situation 
from Senator Hatfield when I joined the Senate in 1996. Senator 
Hatfield championed her cause in the 104th Congress, and, as his 
request and the request of many of my constituents, I am attempting to 
complete the work that Senator Hatfield started. We both firmly believe 
that Rose-Marie would be a model United States resident.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, so that Rose-Marie 
Barbeau-Quinn can continue her place as a valuable member of our 
community for many years to come.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2509

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

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENCE.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of 
     the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), 
     Rose-Marie Barbeau-Quinn, shall be held and considered to 
     have been lawfully admitted to the United States for 
     permanent residence as of the date of the enactment of this 
     Act upon payment of the required visa fees.

     SEC. 2. REDUCTION OF NUMBER OF AVAILABLE VISAS.

       Upon the granting of permanent residence to Rose-Marie 
     Barbeau-Quinn, as provided in this Act, the Secretary of 
     State shall instruct the proper officer to reduce by the 
     appropriate number during the current fiscal year the total 
     number of immigrant visas available to natives of the country 
     of the alien's birth under section 203(a) of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)).
                                 ______