Jasper Packard: “I rise in support of H.R. 2202, the Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1996. This act is one of the most…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2202, the Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1996. This act is one of the most important pieces of legislation this Congress will consider this year. Illegal immigration impacts my State of California more than any other State in the union. In fact, it is estimated that 1.7 million or 43 percent of all illegal immigrants reside in California. That is why the voters of California overwhelmingly supported proposition 187 which denies State-funded benefits to illegal immigrants. I have been involved in combating the illegal immigration problem since I first became a Member of Congress. On the opening day of the 104th Congress, I introduced a legislative package aimed at solving the illegal immigration crisis. I am pleased that Chairman Smith has chosen to incorporate some of my ideas into this legislation. First, this bill before us will increase the size of the border patrol to 10,000 agents. I wholeheartedly support this effort to effectively control our borders. For too long, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has been unable to stop illegal immigration at our borders. By increasing the resources at the border, by increasing the number of border patrol agents who must patrol our borders every day, we can begin to stem the rising tide of illegal immigrants who cross our vast border unchecked.”