AJC Urges Senate to Pass Enhanced Border Security and Visa Act

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 21 December 2001

The American Jewish Committee is applauding the passage this week of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2001 by the House of Representatives, and strongly urging the Senate to act quickly on this measure when it returns in January.

"This bill incorporates necessary measures to enhance the border security of the United States and prevent terrorists from entering through loopholes in our nation's immigration and visa system, while seeking to respect the fair and generous treatment of immigrants and refugees that is in this nation's best traditions," said Richard T. Foltin, AJC's Legislative Director and Counsel.

The AJC is committed both to enhancing America's national security and to maintaining public policy that recognizes the myriad ways that immigration to the U.S. has enriched our society.

The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2001 is important because Americans now know that the perpetrators of the September 11th terrorist attacks were able to enter the U.S. with temporary visas, which are routinely granted to tourists, students, and other visitors. AJC urges in the strongest possible terms that Congress adopt measures that strengthen the nation's border security and visa system in order to prevent the entry of terrorists while not isolating the United States. The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2001 is an important step in that direction.

AJC noted, however, its regret that, in moving forward on the Enhanced Border Security Act, the House deferred action on a proposal to extend Section 245(i), a program supported by AJC that allows aliens present in the United States who are otherwise eligible to regularize their status to do so without first leaving the country.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org