The Nation - News from May 11, 1989

Thousands of undocumented aliens who did not apply for amnesty under 1986 changes in immigration laws have been forced “into a fearful underground and impoverished existence,” immigration rights advocates told Congress. Other witnesses testified that the Immigration and Naturalization Service has attempted to deport undocumented family members of aliens who have been granted temporary residency, a charge the agency vigorously disputed. Muriel Heiberger, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, told the House Judiciary subcommittee on immigration, refugees and international law that the Immigration Reform and Control Act has left tens of thousands of undocumented aliens vulnerable to exploitation and poverty.