Speech #860205231

Speaker. while I support the presented resolution. I feel that there are certain inadequacies which merit discussion. Certainly. in keeping with the World Refugee Year and the Presidents message which specifically refers to this problem. it is proper that legislation of this nature receive consideration and action. This resolution. while affording temporary relief. does not solve the refugee problem on a permanent basis. It is here where the need exists for legislation which will be able to cope with a problem which will always be with us as long as forced rule is imposed upon nations within the Soviet orbit. However. refugees exist in other areas and for reasons which make them also bona fide. This resolution. first of all. discriminates against bona fide refugees by taking recognition of only those who are within the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As such. it will prevent many others. who are bona fide refugees. for entrance. This seems to me to be a severe drawback to this resolution. Another. even more important. is the lack of any provision to allow for rapid admission of refugees who are the result of a precipitous upheaval. The recommendation for power by proclamation for the President to cope with such an immediate crisis is not considered in this resolution. I believe this to be a serious omission. Unlike the 10.000 refugees to be admitted each year. under the Presidents program. this resolution provides for 25 percent of those who are within the U.N. High Commissioners mandate. A number considerably less. plus the fact that certain groups are being discriminated against. seems to be a contradiction of what should be done for a problem which is not only current. but which will be presented to us. it seems. for many years hence. These refugees cannot be allowed to remain unnoticed whether we like it or not. Many valuable contributions to the stream of daily American life can be made by these people. I have received many letters from Americans who are deeply concerned with the seemingly insoluble problem of the refugees. These people are motivated by the sincere desire for the compassion worthy of a nation like ours and in accord with the basic principles of its foundation. An act to offer relief to these people would exemplify Americas continued sincerity during World Refugee Year and at any time this humane need exists in the world.