[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A SMARTER APPROACH TO THE BORDER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, as California's Border Congressman, I rise 
today to deliver a simple yet important message to this Congress about 
how we handle affairs on our nation's southern border.
  To my fellow Members of Congress, I implore you: Don't block clinics 
that want to help Mexican children with severe medical needs. Don't 
block border schools from hosting their Mexican neighbors. And don't 
block our tourism industry from welcoming Mexican field trips. Instead, 
join me in supporting the VISA Act!
  Prior to September 11, 2001, the Valley Orthopedic Clinic in 
Calexico, California treated low-income Mexican children who suffered 
from cleft palates or other maladies. In fact, over forty years, they 
treated 125,000 children! The Port Directors at the border selectively 
issued humanitarian visa waivers so that these children could briefly 
visit the United States without paying for an unaffordable $100 visa.
  Since September 11, Port Directors have ceased issuing these visa 
waivers. As a result, children have been blocked from receiving 
specialized medical attention, participating in educational exchanges 
between border schools and taking field trips to tourist sites in 
border states.
  That's why I have re-introduced the Visitors Interested in 
Strengthening America (VISA) Act (H.R. 2367). The bill gives Port 
Directors the discretion to issue humanitarian visa waivers to Mexican 
children making brief, pre-scheduled visits to the U.S. for medical, 
educational or recreational purposes.
  In addition to clearing the way for American doctors who wish to 
provide specialized care to Mexican children, this bill would boost the 
economy in the border region and strengthen cultural and political 
understanding with Mexico.
  The bill is identical to legislation that the Border Trade Alliance, 
National Council of La Raza, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey 
Davidow and others supported in the 108th Congress.

[[Page E986]]

  I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting for this important 
legislation.

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