Amnesty Won’t Be Extended, Simpson Says

In a move that seems to doom attempts to extend the nation’s amnesty program for illegal aliens beyond next Wednesday, Sen. Alan K. Simpson (R-Wyo.), co-author of the 1986 immigration law, Tuesday called the effort a “fantasy” that would only raise false hopes.

Simpson’s views are considered highly influential and supporters of the House-passed extension bill had hoped that he would not take a strong stand against the legislation as the Senate considers whether to extend the application period to Nov. 30.

However, in a blistering floor speech, Simpson said: “Somewhere we have to have finality. The ballgame has nine innings. There will be no extension. There will be no second amnesty. Finality time is here.”

Simpson’s comments signaling his active opposition, combined with the likelihood that other senators would filibuster the measure, make it impossible to get the extension passed this week, said one Senate aide, noting that the Senate is in recess next week.

Advocates of an extension have asserted that it is needed because the Immigration and Naturalization Service was slow in publicizing the program, resulting in a shortfall of applicants. However, the Reagan Administration denies this, saying that there has been ample time and that an extension would only encourage procrastinators.

Under the program, illegal immigrants may apply for legal residency if they have lived in the country continuously, except for brief absences, since before 1982.

Fewer Than Predicted

INS had predicted that 2 million illegal immigrants would apply for legal status, and immigrant rights groups have claimed that many more may be eligible. But only about 1.2 million people have come forward. Another 400,000 have applied under a separate program for farm workers.

In his speech, Simpson said an extension would encourage more illegal immigration since it would give the impression that Congress would bow to political pressures and grant further extensions in the future rather than make amnesty a one-time proposition.

“The numbers (of applicants) are very high now,” he said. Addressing illegal aliens, he added: “If you’re considering applying, do.”

Simpson’s comments fell like a hammer on the hopes of many immigrant-rights activists who had celebrated last week’s 213-201 House vote in favor of the extension bill.

‘Raises the Stakes’

Mario Moreno of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said that, although Simpson already has taken other opportunities--forums, interviews and committee hearings--to voice his objections to an extension, the timing of his strong statement on the Senate floor “raises the stakes.”

Moreno said: “Simpson is the dean of immigration. He is the person other senators look to on immigration issues. They’ll ask: ‘Where does Simpson stand?’ and when they hear he opposes it, they’ll say: ‘That’s good enough for me.’ ”

Nevertheless, some extension advocates refused to concede defeat. Charles Kamasaki of the National Council of La Raza said that, although getting an extension passed “would have been a lot easier” with Simpson’s cooperation, the measure still has a chance.

Kamasaki raised the possibility that, even if the Senate does not pass the measure before its recess, it could act after the May 4 deadline. “There is precedent in law for these kinds of programs to expire and then get extensions,” he said.

But Jerry M. Tinker, staff director of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s immigration subcommittee, said it would be “mischievous” to try passing the legislation after the program expires. “Either we do it this week or we don’t do it at all,” he said.

Tinker, who has been a staunch advocate of an extension, said advocates do “a terrible disservice if they hold out the false hope that there’s going to be a second amnesty.”