Speaker. I would like to spread on the RECORD a letter which as recently as February 15 I directed to Mr. John Frederick Thomas. director of the Cuban refugee program: I am quite concerned over the Cuban refugee program in my district. The residents of Dade County have been extremely patient and understanding of the problems of these refugees and have cooperated to the fullest. However. as I have emphasized many times before. Dade County has long ago reached the saturation point. I have been deluged with mail from my constituents indicating their dissatisfaction with the rate of resettlement of these refugees (the latest official figures indicate a severe drop in resettlements) and their strong opposition to any additional benefits to the Cuban refugees. I am in full agreement with these views. and I might add that I believe the present programs to be more than adequate and I am opposed to the establishment of broad new programs for any Cuban refugees. I fully support the previously granted authorization for qualified Cuban refugees to serve and be trained in the U.S. Armed Forces. but not to be granted any special benefits or privileges for this service. I would respectfully request. first. that if any additional Cuban refugees are to be permitted to enter the United States in the future. they be assigned to a port of entry and processed through a reception center other than Dade County or the State of Florida. second. that additional emphasis be placed on the resettlement program and that it be accelerated and implemented to the fullest degree. and third. that I be notified at the earliest practicable moment if any new programs or broadening of present programs are being contemplated. I respectfully go on record. Mr. Speaker. urging the immediate attention of the House to this most urgent request. The situation in the Miami area is dangerous and explosive. It is made for those who would deliberately attempt to set citizen against refugeeyes. even refugee against refugeeand to utilize the pentup emotions of American and Cuban alike to supply the fuel of the Communist propagandist. I submit. Mr.
Keywords matched
refugeeand refugeeyes refugee refugees