[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BORDER COMMUTER STUDENT ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 15, 2002

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of HR 4967, the 
``Border Commuter Student Act of 2002.'' I am a proud co-sponsor of 
this bill which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish 
a new category of non-immigrant students from Mexico and Canada who 
commute for study at a school or college in the United States.
  Current law prohibits border residents of Mexico and Canada from 
coming into the U.S. to study on a part-time basis. Students are 
required to have an Fl student visa and be enrolled for full time 
study. This act makes their admission for part-time study permanent and 
creates a new F3 category designed to meet the needs of border commuter 
students seeking academic training. Further, HR 4967 would create an M3 
visa classification for border students seeking vocational training.
  Institutions of higher education and vocational training along the 
border have provided invaluable educational opportunities for Mexican 
citizens for many years. This has served the political and economic 
interests of both countries. However, many citizens of Mexico and 
Canada who commute along the border are unable to take the time from 
work and family to attend as a full-time student. Rather, they attend 
on a part-time basis during the day or at night when the opportunity 
presents itself. This measure allows these students to continue 
commuting and improving the quality of their lives.
  Enhancing the educational level of Mexican citizens along the U.S./
Mexico border provides these students with the tools necessary to 
create and take advantage of expanding economic opportunities in 
Mexico. This advances their contributions to the Mexican economy and 
serves the strategic interests of both countries.
  I represent the 28th Congressional District of Texas, from San 
Antonio south to the border communities of Starr County, and I have 
heard directly from my constituents and elected officials of the many 
benefits of enactment of the Border Commuter Act will bring to this 
region. The border economies of both Texas and Mexico gain from the 
improvement of skills and education among border residents. The 
enhancement of partnerships among these two communities will enrich the 
quality of lives for all of the residents in South Texas and our entire 
country.

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