    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [August 2, 1996]
    [Pages 1248-1249]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich on
    Proposed Legislation on Illegal Immigration Enforcement
    August 2, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        Reversing decades of neglect, this Administration has dedicated
    unprecedented resources and enforcement effort to curtailing illegal
    immigration. Our comprehensive strategy to restore the rule of law to
    illegal immigration enforcement has done more in three years than was
    done in thirty years before. It includes:
          1) Gaining control of our borders. This Administration is
            deploying more Border Patrol agents than any previous
            Administration. In FY 1996, we will deploy an additional 1,000
            new and reassigned agents. Overall, the Administration has
            increased the number of Border Patrol agents at the southwest
            border by 40% since 1993. For the first time, Border Patrol
            agents are being equipped with the high technology resources
            needed to do the job, including sensors, night scopes, computers
            and encrypted radios. Strengthened anti-smuggling efforts have
            reduced the criminal transport and exploitation of smuggled
            aliens.
          2) Safeguarding the interests of legal workers. This
            Administration is the first to initiate effective enforcement of
            employer sanctions and worksite standards. In addition, I issued
            an Executive Order to keep federal contracts from going to
            businesses that

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            knowingly hire illegal workers. We are also testing a computer
            work authorization verification system and are creating more
            fraud-resistant immigration documents.
          3) Removing criminal and other deportable aliens from the country.
            In 1995, this Administration removed a record number of criminal
            and other illegal aliens from this country--74% more than in FY
            1990.
        Most of H.R. 2202, the Immigration in the National Interest Act,
    supports the steps we have taken. I continue to urge Congress to pass
    these provisions and present me with the additional tools that I need to
    continue the progress we have made.
        However, there is a right way and a wrong way to fight illegal
    immigration. The Gallegly Amendment and the compromise being considered
    during the conference process would result in kicking children out of
    school and onto the streets. The street is no place for children to
    learn; children should be in school. This proposal is an unacceptable
    and ineffective way to fight illegal immigration. And the proposed
    compromise--which will still require states to verify the immigration
    status of all children, and permit states to exclude those who cannot
    afford to pay tuition--is as objectionable as the original provision.
    Congress should reject it.
        If the immigration bill contains this provision, I will veto it. We
    can agree on so much in the legislation that would help what we are
    already doing. Let us move forward with illegal immigration enforcement
    legislation without this misguided measure.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    August 3.