    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [September 30, 1997]
    [Page 1277]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1277]]

    Statement on the Report of the Commission on Immigration Reform
    September 30, 1997

        The Commission on Immigration Reform, chaired by the Honorable
    Shirley Hufstedler and the late Barbara Jordan, issued its final report
    today. This report, which reiterates many of the excellent
    recommendations contained in the Commission's interim reports, further
    contributes to our country's understanding of the role of immigration in
    the United States. I commend the Commission's work and its contribution
    to the national dialog on immigration policy.
        America has always been a nation of immigrants, and I am proud of
    the significant progress my administration has made toward improving
    America's immigration system. My administration has curtailed illegal
    immigration through tougher border control, strengthened worksite
    enforcement, and the removal of record numbers of criminal and other
    illegal aliens. We have also worked to improve and tighten the
    naturalization process and have made needed reforms to our asylum system
    for refugees fleeing persecution.
        One of the Commission's recommendations is to restructure the
    immigration system by reallocating the main functions of the Immigration
    and Naturalization Service to other agencies. This proposal raises
    difficult and complex issues which need further consideration. I have
    asked the Domestic Policy Council to coordinate with the affected
    Federal agencies to evaluate carefully the Commission's proposal and
    other reform options designed to improve the executive branch's
    administration of the Nation's immigration laws.
        With this report, the Commission completes its work. I want to thank
    all of its members and staff for their service and contribution on these
    important issues.