Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
Lawmakers Immigration Reform June 21, 1984
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
DO NOT USE WETA credit
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
DO NOT USE Sponsor credits
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
Lawmakers title sequence. Host Paul Duke introduces Linda Wertheimer and Cokie Roberts, then introduces the topics on program: a California Congressman speaking about "dark days" from his past, abortion, Congressional softball games, and immigration reform. Roberts introduces her report on immigration reform debate. House of Representatives narrowly passes immigration bill that includes penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants, allows farmers to hire migrant workers at harvest time, and has amnesty provision for any illegal immigrants who have resided in the U.S. since 1982 to apply for legalization. Florida Republican Congressman Bill McCollum fought until the end to remove the amnesty provision.
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
U.S. House Representatives Bill McCollum (R-FL) and Tom Lewis (R-FL) speaking on the House floor, arguing against amnesty in the immigration reform bill, on legal grounds and that it is unfair to those in line for citizenship, who have gone through the process legally. Adult Caucasian Congressman speaking; Wertheimer, voiceover, notes that the arguments were political and practical. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) provides a practical argument for amnesty on the basis that the number of illegal immigrants prevents them all from being removed, thus they should not be prevent from legally supporting themselves. Rep. Peter Rodino (D-NJ) calls for a balance approach. Prevent further illegal immigration, but allow for legalization to those already here; elderly adult Caucasian Congressman standing at Speaker's chair. Adult Hispanic Congressman speaking. Rep. Bill Richardson (D-NM), speaking from House floor, states his opposition to the bill, but has nothing better to offer.
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
Middle-aged adult Caucasian Congressman speaking; Linda Wertheimer, voiceover, notes that this immigration bill was the only option available. Immigration bill sponsor, U.S. House Representative Dan Lungren (R-CA) believes the debate surrounding the bill is healthy and something the American people should be proud of. Rep. Romano Mazzoli (D-KY), speaking on the House floor, struggles for words: "It's been a great honor. Thank you very much."
Lawmakers - Immigration Reform - June 21, 1984
Host Paul Duke, in studio, discusses the vote with Cokie Roberts. She comments on close the vote was, then details different factions that opposed different parts of the bill. Duke asks what the next steps are and Cokie Roberts comments on difficult process of going into conference with Senate to align two separately passed bills into one. The general belief is that no immigration bill is worse than the current bill. Opposition to the immigration bill by Hispanic Americans is formidable as they believe the businesses will use the bill to discriminate against them, even if they are American citizens.