Speech #850289999

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of S. 3942. which would provide nonquota visas for Portuguese refugees of the island of Fayal in the Azores. who were made homeless by the recent volcanic eruption on that island. In the District which I represent in California are a great many families of Portuguese extraction. These people have earned the reputation as fine. lawabiding. hardworking citizens. who contribute a great deal to the economy of the District. as well as being good neighbors of which we all can be proud. Many of these refugees from the Azores have relatives living in this country. A number in the 11th District of California have expressed their willingness and desire to assist these unfortunate people in their time of need. I can well understand their deep concern for their overseas brethren. I am exceedingly anxious to help alleviate the unfortunate conditions which now afflict them due to the loss of their homes and lifelong possessions. This Nation has acted in previous instances to assist persons similarly afflicted. Only recently we passed laws allowing admission to the United States of Hungarian refugees. who had been crushed and driven from their homes by ruthless Soviet tyranny. This legislation would authorize the Issuance of 1.500 special nonquota immigrant visas to Portuguese aliens. their wives and unmarried sons and daughters under 21 years of age. including stepsons or stepdaughters. if accompanying them to this country. Such visas would be issued only to nationals or citizens of Portugal who. because of the natural calamity in the Azores Islands. are out of their usual places of abode. unable to return to their homes. and who are in urgent need of assistance for the essentials of life. It is by no means a blanket authority for immigration to this country. The bill would permit United States consular officers abroad to issue visas to these people when found eligible under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I urge this body to exercise compassion and good judgment in adopting this legislation. which has already won the approval of the Senate.