Background Memorandum for Bill Signing Ceremony for S. 1200, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON BILL SIGNING CEREMONY FOR S. 1200 DATE: Thursday, November 6 , 1986 LOCATION : Roosevelt Room TIME: 10:00 a.m. (5 minutes) FROM: William L. Ball, III BB I. PURPOSE To have a formal bill signing ceremony for S. 1200, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. II. BACKGROUND On October 17, 1986, the Senate agreed to the conference report on S. 1200, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, thus clearing the measure for your signature. During the two Congresses preceding the 99th -- since 1981 -- comprehensive immigration reform legislation has been close to enactment, but opponents managed to thwart final passage. The bill establishes an amnesty program giving legal status to illegals who can prove that they have been in the United States prior to January 1, 1982. It also provides for temporary agricultural workers while granting temporary status to those who have worked in U.S. agriculture at least 90 days between May 1985 and May 1986. For the first time, employers will be subjected to fines, and in some instances jail terms, for knowingly hiring illegal aliens. Due in large part to the perseverance of Senator Alan Simpson (R-Wyoming), and Representatives Peter Rodino (D-New Jersey), Dan Lungren (R-California) and Romano Mazzoli (D-Kentucky), the measure finally received Congressional approval. You have supported responsible immigration reform since your Administration began in 1981, and reaffirmed your support in the 1986 State of the Union Address. III. PARTICIPANTS See attached.