    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 14, 1997]
    [Page 1565]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1565]]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Immigration Legislation
    November 14, 1997

        During my trip to Central America in May, I pledged to address the
    circumstances of Central Americans who were treated unfairly by last
    year's immigration bill. The bill's strict new rules threatened to
    uproot hundreds of thousands of people who came to our shores fleeing
    violence and persecution. In July, I transmitted to the Congress a
    legislative proposal that offered relief to these people. I am very
    pleased that the Congress has now passed provisions that do just that.
        In the 1980's, a large number of Central Americans sought refuge in
    the United States because of the civil war and human rights abuses that
    then plagued that region. As I noted during my trip, the United States
    has a particular obligation to help these people because they and their
    families have now established deep roots in our communities and because
    sending them home in large numbers at this time would very likely
    disrupt the important progress these countries have made towards peace,
    democracy, and economic reform. As a result of these new provisions,
    these people may now be considered for permanent status under more
    generous rules than were imposed by the recent immigration bill.
        Nevertheless, I am concerned about several aspects of this
    legislation. First, I am troubled by the fact that it treats similarly
    situated people differently. The Central Americans covered by this bill
    fled similar violence and persecution; they have established similarly
    strong connections to the United States; and their home countries are
    all fledgling democracies in need of our assistance. The relief made
    available to these people should be consistent as well. I believe,
    however, that these differences can be minimized in the implementation
    process.
        I am also concerned about the plight of certain Haitians who are not
    covered by this legislation. Before we helped restore democracy to
    Haiti, many Haitians were also forced to flee their country because of
    persecution and civil strife. They deserve the same treatment that this
    legislation makes possible for other groups. We will seek passage of
    legislation providing relief to these Haitians early in the next session
    of Congress and take appropriate administrative action while we pursue
    this solution.
        Finally, I believe that Congress should not have continued to permit
    the application of new, harsher immigration rules to other persons with
    pending cases. Changing the rules in the middle of the game is unfair,
    unnecessary, and contrary to our values. We intend to revisit this issue
    at the earliest opportunity.