Memo from Arnold to Alan K. Simpson, September 29, 1982

The memo discusses the proposed Immigration Emergency Act, which would allow the President to declare an immigration emergency in response to mass migration threats. It outlines the broad criteria for such a declaration, the powers granted to the President under the act—including restricting travel and detaining migrants—and the legal and historical context of emergency powers in the U.S. The memo expresses concerns about the broad scope of the legislation, arguing that emergency powers should only be invoked under truly exceptional circumstances rather than as a means to address ongoing immigration challenges.