Gary Condit: “I rise today in support of the Miller- Johnston amendment to increase the fiscal year 1995 authorization level for the…”

“I rise today in support of the Miller- Johnston amendment to increase the fiscal year 1995 authorization level for the emergency immigrant education program from $40 to $100 million. The Federal Government implements and enforces immigration policy. It is our responsibility. Yet State and local governments have shouldered much of the financial burden of providing services to illegal and legal immigrants, particularly in the areas of education, health, and criminal justice. While illegal immigrants do contribute tax dollars, most of this money goes to the Federal Treasury. Federal immigration policy is nothing short of an unfunded mandate on local and State governments. The Federal Government sets the numbers that are allowed in legally and has basically failed in keeping individuals from entering illegally. The education, health, and welfare costs of these individuals--required by Federal law--are left to cities, counties, and States. This is simply unfair. This amendment is a first step in coming to terms with the enormous costs incurred by local and State governments in the area of education. Quite frankly, it is not enough. There are currently 700,000 students in the United States that qualify for support under this program. Only 460,000 students can receive support at a funding level of $40 million. The Federal Government has a responsibility to fully reimburse local and State governments for all costs associated with immigration.…”