Alan Simpson: “let me speak then on the Kennedy amendments. I have spoken on the Cuban Adjustment Act, and I have spoken on the Graham…”

“let me speak then on the Kennedy amendments. I have spoken on the Cuban Adjustment Act, and I have spoken on the Graham amendment. Let me speak briefly on the Kennedy amendment, the Kennedy amendment en bloc, the two that have been joined and the next one, a singular one, and I address them together because they are very similar. Let me say that, indeed, I oppose the Kennedy amendment and I go back to this singular theme that we must not deviate from: Before a prospective immigrant is approved to come to the United States, that person must demonstrate that he or she is not likely at any time to become a public charge. I know that is repetitive. It was the law in 1882. The individuals meet this public charge requirement by a sponsor's written agreement, an affidavit of support. It is to provide support if the alien ever needs support. If the alien needs nothing, the sponsor pays nothing. If suddenly the alien says, ``I can't make it, I'm going to have to go on welfare, I'm going to have to receive assistance,'' the sponsor steps in, not the USA.”