[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 775

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, many of our immigration laws are no 
longer consistent with our national security and other vital interests.
  The diversity visa or visa lottery system is one such example. The 
visa lottery was established by the Immigration Act of 1990 to offer 
the opportunity of immigration to individuals in countries that had 
been sending few immigrants to the United States.
  Usually, immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals that have an 
existing connection with a family member lawfully residing in the 
United States or with a U.S. employer. These types of relationships 
help ensure that immigrants entering the country have a stake in 
continuing America's success, and have the advanced skills necessary to 
contribute to the nation's economy. However, under the visa lottery 
program, visas are awarded to immigrants at random with no such safety 
precautions.
  I have heard from immigrants who have legally come to the country, 
and they believe the visa lottery program is unfair to immigrants who 
comply with the United States' immigration laws. Also, the visa lottery 
program does not prohibit illegal aliens from applying to receive a 
visa through the program.
  The program has many flaws. A recent report released by the Center 
for Immigration Studies shows that it is commonplace for foreign 
nationals to apply for the lottery program multiple times using 
different aliases and false personal information.
  I support Congressman Goodlatte's bill, H.R. 775, The Security and 
Fairness Enhancement for America Act, which would terminate the visa 
lottery. This piece of legislation is an important and positive step in 
immigration reform and it is my hope that the House considers it in the 
near future.

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