Elton Gallegly: “one of the most critical challenges facing the 104th Congress is the passage of comprehensive and effective immigration…”

“one of the most critical challenges facing the 104th Congress is the passage of comprehensive and effective immigration reform legislation. For many years the American people have expressed frustration that its leaders in Congress have failed to enact policies to eliminate the unacceptable high levels of illegal entry into our country. Under the able leadership of the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims, the House of Representatives will soon consider a conference report which finally addresses the public concern over this problem in a serious and comprehensive manner. One of the most important elements of this conference report is the so-called Gallegly amendment. This provision is really quite straightforward. It simply eliminates the ability of the Federal Government to force States to provide a free public education to illegal immigrants. This unfunded mandate is especially disturbing considering that 95 percent of the cost of providing a public education is born by State taxpayers. In addition, my amendment has been modified to make absolutely sure that illegal immigrant children who are already enrolled in public schools will not be removed from those schools.”