William Helms: “the U.S. Government has a duty to control immigration, and it is failing miserably. Passage of this bill will help halt…”

“the U.S. Government has a duty to control immigration, and it is failing miserably. Passage of this bill will help halt the large migration of illegals into our country. But, due in part to the service rendered by the able Senator from Wyoming [Mr. Simpson] on this bill, S. 1664, ``The Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996'' the Federal Government will have meaningful tools to discourage illegal immigration and better handle illegal aliens in our country. We are grateful for the enormous amount of time and expertise Al Simpson has devoted throughout his tenure in the Senate to the formulation of a workable, credible immigration policy. All of us have benefited from Senator Simpson's tireless efforts. Mr. President, immigration is an especially important issue to the American people, and it is important that we not forget that ours is a nation of immigrants. America has always had a very generous immigration policy. But while it is politically correct in some circles to call for an open immigration policy--allowing in all who seek admission--it would be a serious mistake of judgment to fail to assess the consequences of an out-of-control influx of immigrants, legal or illegal. During the 1985 consideration of immigration reform, some Senators cautioned against granting amnesty to the illegal aliens pouring across our borders. I was among those who stated such an apprehension.…”