All of these things are important in our struggle for the vindication of democracys belief in the individual worth of human beings. Mr. President. the Subcommittee on Refugees and Escapees. of which I have the honor to serve as chairman. has proposed in its recent annual report a review of USEP. Such a review will establish a record of the programs achievements over the last 10 years. and would evaluate its present position and determine the level and nature of its future operations in the light of changing conditions. Experience has taught us that refugee problems are anything but static. They constantly change in nature. in dimensions and in location. They are not problems which can be defined at once for all time. So I am hopeful that the subcommittee will be able to conduct its proposed investigation within the very near future. for the Information of Congress and the American people. In this connection. I am also hopeful that the Senate will soon consider the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962. Among its provisions authorizing American participation in refugee programs. is one which provides for the continuation of USEP. While it is true that considerable progress had been made in reducing the caseload of USEP. under present conditions we must anticipate a flow of escapees for some time into the future. I attach great importance to this bill. and believe its passage is urgentnot only for the continuation of USEP. but also for the other programs the bill authorizes. including the Cuban refugee program. A few days ago I received a booklet containing letters transmitted to President Kennedy on the escapee program. The letters were written by representatives of 12 participating voluntary agencies. and were kindly sent to me by Mr. James P. Rice. chairman of the Committee on Migration and Refugee Problems of the American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service. Inc. These letters tell a success story.
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Refugees Refugee refugee