[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ADDRESSING OUR OUTDATED IMMIGRATION LAWS AND POLICIES

  (Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank 
President Bush for recognizing the need to address our outdated 
immigration laws and policies, as well as to urge Congress to make this 
issue a top priority.
  First, let me start by making it clear that I believe America should 
always honor its immigration tradition and legally admit a reasonable 
number of new immigrants every year. But the tragic events of September 
11 awakened most Americans to the fact that our immigration system is 
not only seriously flawed; it also poses a danger to our national 
security.
  The SAFER Act would strengthen our borders with increased screening 
and tracking of aliens, enhanced enforcement of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, expedited removal proceedings, and reduced excessive 
immigration.
  I also support H.R. 775, the bill of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Goodlatte), which would end the visa lottery system.
  Our Nation is out of control. Immigration policies expose us to an 
increased risk of another terrorist attack, something I cannot sit back 
and allow to happen. It is time for Congress to act now to protect 
America's interests.

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