Speech #870124066

Jones. was to return to the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary matters which have traditionally been the concern of that committee. but which in recent years have been. for a variety of reasons. or as Mr. Jones put it-"as a matter of convenience." included in the mutual security legislation. My colleagues on the Committee on the Judiciary appreciate the Presidents thoughtfulness in recommending that this legislation remain within the jurisdiction of the committee of the House which is responsible for legislation. and continuing supervision of problems. relating to migration. immigration. refugees. and escapees. The Committee on the Judiciary has. since 1947. remained in close touch with all the problems reflected in this legislation and it. therefore. is fully qualified to pass on the merits of it and make the proper recommendation to the House. In that connection. it should be noted that H.R. 8291. as introduced. or as amended. is not an immigration bill. Not one additional person will be permitted to enter the United States under this legislation. However. this legislation may permit a great many people fleeing their enslaved countries. or simply desiring to leave their native lands in quest for a better life. to reach countries other than the United States and find their new homes. new employment opportunities and a new chance to enjoy freedom and happiness. Thus. the main purpose of the two principal programs authorized to be continued under this legislation is for the United States not to go it alone in the effort of solving the economic and social problems of manpower which is in surplus in one country and in demand in another. Similarly. the purpose of these provisions is to participate in an internationaland not a unilateraleffort to provide relief and resettlement opportunities for refugees driven out of their abodes by the oppressive forces of tyranny. Our participation in existing. multilateral. successfully operati�g programs appears to be the most important and compelling feature of this legislation. As far as the two unilateral programs are concerned. one of themthe problem of Cuban refugeeshas been imposed upon this country practically overnight by the seizure of neighboring Cuba by Communist forces. The State of Florida. Dade County. and the city of Miami. have incurred heavy burdens and demonstrated magnificent generosity of their citizens in providing assistance to the needy Cuban refugees. Floridas activities in this field will for a long time remain not only an example of hospitality for a neighbor in need. but will shine as a beacon of hope and the monument of a big human heart which is a truly American characteristic. However. Florida and its political and administrative subdivisions could not be expected to bear the burden alone. Shortly before the end of his term. President Eisenhower had allocated certain funds to relieve the suffering of Cuban refugees and to assist the citizens of Florida in their humanitarian task. Soon after his inauguration. President Kennedy has done likewise and placed the supervision of the program in the trusted hands of the distinguished Secretary of Health.