Speech #850088512

Sr.. Bela Kutasy. Jr.. and Josef Nagyar. the Hungarian refugees who recently illegally entered the United States across the Canadian border. Sincerely. Commissioner. Following the apprehension of the three Hungarian refugees who had illegally entered the United States by crossing the Canadian border. the Immigration and Naturalization Service issued orders to show cause why they should not be required to leave the United States. The refugees were released from custody promptly upon the posting of bond in their behalf in the sum of $500. and a hearing was scheduled for Because of the possible unfavorable international implications and for the purpose of affording more time to study the matter. the Immigration and Naturalization Service upon the request of Senator EDWAaD J. THYE postponed the scheduled hearing for 2 weeks. The Immigration and Naturalization Service promptly began negotiations with the Canadian immigration authorities regarding the status of these refugees and their resettlement in Canada. At the same time. conferences were held between officers of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the attorney for the refugees. as well as representatives of religious and civic groups. These discussions brought out the fact that one of the refugees had a distant relative residing in Montreal. and that this. coupled with possibly more favorable employment opportunities in the Montreal area. would be conducive to satisfactory adjustment in Montreal rather than in the Alberta area where the refugees had left. The refugees. and all others concerned. were in agreement that they should return to Canada and settle In Montreal. The Canadian authorities were most sympathetic and cooperative in working out a solution. and gave assurances that the refugees would be accepted into Canada and assisted in reaching their destination. It is understood that the Canadian immigration officials have volunteered to assume the costs of transporting the refugees from Winnipeg to Montreal. The Catholic diocese in the St. Paul area has been most active in seeking a solution in this matter and has also undertaken to pay the fares to Montreal. Pursuant to these understandings. the refugees agreed to voluntarily return to Canada as soon as transportation arrangements have been made. This has been done. and they are scheduled to depart today on Northwest Airlines at 8:35 a. m. for Winnipeg. where they will be met by representatives of the Catholic diocese and assisted in completing their journey to. and resettlement in Montreal. Mr. President. I am happy that the ending of the unhappy experience of these unfortunate refugees has been pleasant and satisfactory to the refugees. I am confident that they will start their new life in a new country under much happier circumstances than they thought possible when they crossed the border from Canada to Minnesota and found themselves involved in a minor highway incident.