Texas Governor George Bush Comments on Immigration Issues
Posted Jul 09, 2000

Presumptive Republican presidential candidate George Bush has made some encouraging remarks on two immigration issues: INS reorganization, and allowing spouses of permanent residents to visit the U.S.

INS Reorganization :
In a speech on June 26, 2000, Governor Bush stated that he is in favor of splitting INS into two separate agencies, one for enforcement and the other for adjudications. His version of reorganization would place a single person in charge of both agencies, one of three elements cited by AILA as essential to successful INS reform. The other two elements are coordination between the two agencies, and adequate funding of both functions. It is still unclear whether Governor Bush's proposal would incorporate these two additional elements. According to AILA, however, the Governor's chief spokesperson stated that his proposal is the same as the bill introduced by Senators Abraham and Kennedy, which AILA has endorsed.

Another INS reform proposal has been presented in the House of Representatives, by Representatives Rogers and Immigration Subcommittee Chair Lamar Smith. The Rogers and Smith bill is not favored by AILA. In reference to the two competing INS reform bills, AILA Executive Director Jean Butterfield stated: "It is now time for the recalcitrant Republicans in the House of Representatives to get behind their Party's presidential nominee and support INS reorganization that can work. They should join with Governor Bush and support the Abraham-Kennedy measure."

Families of Permanent Residents Should Be Permitted to Visit the U.S.:
Governor Bush has also expressed support for making it easier for spouses and children of permanent residents to visit the U.S. while they have applications pending for permanent residence or immigration to the U.S. Currently, it is virtually impossible for such persons to obtain tourist visas. Bush stated that he would reverse the presumption that such family members will violate their terms of admission, and will encourage family reunification for legal immigrants.

The Governor also supports an increase in the H1B quota, but has not yet spoken out on other issues of concern, including section 245(i) restoration and change in the effective date beginning continuous presence in the U.S. for the purpose of "Registry" eligibility. (Both of these subjects have been discussed in past issues of the MurthyBulletin.) As the presidential race heats up, both Governor Bush and Vice President Gore will need to comment further on many immigration issues of concern to many U.S. citizens and companies that rely on foreign nationals in their work forces.