[Congressional Record: October 17, 2002 (Extensions)]
[Page E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr17oc02-102]
BORDER COMMUTER STUDENT ACT OF 2002
______
speech of
HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of HR 4967, the
``Border Commuter Student Act of 2002.'' I am a proud co-sponsor of
this bill which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish
a new category of non-immigrant students from Mexico and Canada who
commute for study at a school or college in the United States.
Current law prohibits border residents of Mexico and Canada from
coming into the U.S. to study on a part-time basis. Students are
required to have an Fl student visa and be enrolled for full time
study. This act makes their admission for part-time study permanent and
creates a new F3 category designed to meet the needs of border commuter
students seeking academic training. Further, HR 4967 would create an M3
visa classification for border students seeking vocational training.
Institutions of higher education and vocational training along the
border have provided invaluable educational opportunities for Mexican
citizens for many years. This has served the political and economic
interests of both countries. However, many citizens of Mexico and
Canada who commute along the border are unable to take the time from
work and family to attend as a full-time student. Rather, they attend
on a part-time basis during the day or at night when the opportunity
presents itself. This measure allows these students to continue
commuting and improving the quality of their lives.
Enhancing the educational level of Mexican citizens along the U.S./
Mexico border provides these students with the tools necessary to
create and take advantage of expanding economic opportunities in
Mexico. This advances their contributions to the Mexican economy and
serves the strategic interests of both countries.
I represent the 28th Congressional District of Texas, from San
Antonio south to the border communities of Starr County, and I have
heard directly from my constituents and elected officials of the many
benefits of enactment of the Border Commuter Act will bring to this
region. The border economies of both Texas and Mexico gain from the
improvement of skills and education among border residents. The
enhancement of partnerships among these two communities will enrich the
quality of lives for all of the residents in South Texas and our entire
country.
____________________
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