The American people are rightly concerned. They saw what happened in 1986, and they are rightly concerned that we may make that mistake again.

I think it is one of those simple realities.

I would just say one thing, Mr. Chairman. In Mr. Johnson's testimony, whom we will hear in a little bit, I was noting his testimony is very, very strong in favor of less skilled workers in immigration.

Americans do believe in immigration. They do affirm immigrants that are here. They do not hate immigrants.

The current 'law is not adequate to prevent the immigration of criminals, nor is it sufficiently effective' to deport criminals. That is still the truth today, isn't it?

But we have got to think about drafting a comprehensive bill. Let's draft one that is comprehensive, that deals with the problems that you just raised.

But they are asking sincerely, consistently for over 30 years that we create a lawful system of immigration.

So what could we do to draft a comprehensive bill that would allow people with the family and historical connection to have a better chance, some better chance than this to enter the United States?

You said if John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan or Eugene O'Neill were trying to enter the United States today, they would have to enter illegally.

low-skilled workers tend to draw more from the economy than they put in.

Now, my understanding of the law of supply and demand, if we have a high demand for labor, why haven't the wages gone up more than 1 percent, or even fallen for low-skilled workers?

Whose interest are we representing--the United States or the person who would like to come?

I think the concerns that the American people rightly have and I have is many of these complex questions are not amenable to being settled in a secret conference.

I do not often quote Senator Kennedy, but I told him I was going to do this.

comprehensive immigration reform is absolutely what needs to be done.

We are going to have to deal compassionately with the people that are here illegally.

Have you considered and studied the Canadian plan, the point system that Canada has?

The Senate bill, in my opinion, unfortunately, does not meet the test.