Speech #830238135

In some cases it was necessary to flee to other displaced persons camps in order to effect the change in records. Walkowec gave his birthplace as Poland. At the time of giving this information. in 1945 and 1946. shortly after the cessation of hostilities. the furtherest thing from Walkowecs mind was the giving of false information for the purpose of obtaining an American immigration visa. because the displaced persons program did not start until 1948. Even though the forced repatriation later ended. the Russian Repatriation Commission was still allowed free entry into the displaced persons camps for the purpose of inspecting records and searching for Russian subjects. Under these conditions no one dared to come forth and correct his records. When it later became possible for Petro Walkowec and his family to apply for immigration to the United States. the necessary information. including the place of birth. was taken from his camp record and placed on his application. He signed that application and was admitted to the United States. The United States immigration laws state. in effect. that an alien whose application for immigration visa contains false information as to his country of origin. among other things. shall be arrested and deported. There is no saving provision concerning what his intent. or circumstances under which the change of birthplace was made. may have been in giving such information. A5492 This is the offense for which Petro Walkowee was on trial during the week of June 28. He is now awaiting the decision of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. If the decision is adverse. he faces deportation and loss of his newlyfound freedom in the country of his choice. Should the decision be adverse. his wife and three children. one of whom served In the United States Army. must also go. Walkowecs offense was not discovered by the immigration authorities. He came forth voluntarily and reported his situation. not only to ask for help in clearing his own record. but also in the hope of helping an estimated 30.000 other displaced persons in this country who are faced with the same problem. It was only after Mr. Walkowecs oldest son. Harry. age 24. entered the United States Army. where he achieved the rank of corporal. and wrote his father that he wanted to be able to tell people that he was a Ukrainian rather than a Pole. that Petro Walkowec. wishing to clear the record for his sons sake. took his problem last August to the head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Chicago. He found his problem much greater than he realized. Whether the decision in his case be favorable or unfavorable. it will leave some 30.000 other cases to be decided individually. These 30.000 people are today living among us in constant fear of deportation. They are. potentially. good American citizens. If we are to develop this potential. we must relieve them of this agonizing fear. The only real solution to their problems will come by way of an act of Congress. By an act of Congress these people could be given an opportunity to present their applications and correct their records. Immigration authorities would review these applications and would have ample opportunity to look into their records and weed out any individuals who may be unable to give a good accounting for themselves. Should Congress desire to conduct a hearing in this matter. many reliable witnesses would be grateful for the opportunity to appear and testify as to the facts related herein. At the same time.