On the recordOctober 29, 1997
I want to repeat that. I think it is important to repeat it, because of the confusion that is being spread this afternoon. Section 245(i) says that if you are eligible for a green card, if you meet all the requirements for a green card, and, as the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida said, if, after meeting the requirements for a green card, you apply for permanent residency in the United States pursuant to section 245(i), then you have to go through all the requirements of getting the background check, criminal check and all that other very important procedure. So this is not a matter that is appropriately addressed as one of illegal immigration. It is a matter of permitting people who are eligible and who qualify under all the requirements for permanent residency to seek their permanent residency in the United States. So it is an issue of common sense. It is an issue of fairness.
Source
govinfo.gov
