The Italian group began to leave their homes as soon as it became apparent that Yugoslavia would take over the territory. Some of the Slovenes left because of fear of religious persecution. After a long period of negotiations with the IRO. it was finally agreed that the VeneziaGiuliani should be declared within the mandate of the IRO because those persons are refugees In every sense of the word. Some of them were given the right to apply for Italian citizenship. In every case. it was necessary for the Italian Government to submit such names to the Yugoslav Government for approval before accepting such persons as Italian citizens. Yugoslavia has. however. failed to reply to the Italian requests for approval or disapproval. Even though these refugees have IRO status. they are" not eligible for admission into the United States of America under the present Displaced Persons Act. because the present act requires that refugees must have entered Italy prior to December 22. 1945. Under the regulations of the Displaced Persons Commission. the VeneziaGiuliani refugees are considered as having moved from one part of Italy to another. rather than having entered Italy. This technicality is due to the regulation which recognizes boundaries of countries as they existed on January 1. 1938. It is hoped by the adoption of this amendment to bring relief to a considerable number of the VeneziaGiuliani under the new Displaced Persons Act. While the total number of such refugees is far in excess of the 5.000 figure provided for. it is believed that at least some of those who may otherwise qualify under the Displaced Persons Act can be admitted to this country. Mr. President.
Keywords matched
refugees