    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [January 14, 1997]
    [Page 36]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on 1997 Appropriations for the Immigration and Naturalization
    Service
    January 14, 1997

        For many years, the Immigration and Naturalization Service did not
    receive sufficient resources to carry out some of its vital functions.
    As a result, control of our borders suffered and illegal immigration
    flourished.
        Four years ago, we began an effort to revitalize the INS by
    providing the resources and commitment to fulfill our responsibilities.
    During this period, INS funding has grown 105 percent. Our borders have
    been greatly strengthened with more personnel and better technology,
    workplace enforcement has gotten tougher, and a record number of
    criminal aliens have been deported.
        Today's announcement represents continuing wise management of the
    additional resources requested by me and provided by the Congress. And
    it represents my administration's continuing commitment to an
    immigration policy that recognizes the value of legal immigration while
    strengthening our efforts to restrict illegal immigration.