[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 46 (Monday, November 17, 1997)]
[Page 1809]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.