Speech #890124989

Mr. Speaker. I have introduced today legislation which will permit refugees from the Communist domination in Cuba who have been living in the United States to adjust their immigration status to that of permanent residents. The appropriation of money to the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare to assist Cuban refugees. while necessary. does not meet the real problem. Cuban refugees are forced to depend upon refugee relief programs because they are unable to secure permanent residence without which jobs. housing. educational. and other opportunities are closed. Adjustment of their immigration situation would permit many to obtain work and decent housing and to live independent lives. The refugees from Communist domination in Cuba are no more anxious to be on our welfare rolls than we are to have them there. Adjustment of status for some refugees is possible through our consulates in Canada. but applicants must wait on long waiting lists. finally traveling to Canada to receive visas. This remedy is not available to thousands who under circumstances other than parole entered or became refugees after .entry into the United States. The immigration bill which the House passed on August 25 will not provide for the adjustment of status of Cuban refugees. There are over 250.000 Cuban refugees in this country. It is estimated that 60.000 to 70.000 of them are living in New York City. In the interests of humanity we cannot ignore this problem any longer. It is one which money alone will not solve. I have prepared this bill so that the adjustment of status will be voluntary. no one will be penalized if he does not wish to change his situation. But this bill says to each refugee. "You have come here as a refugee. whether you consider this stay temporary or permanent is a decision for you to make. as a country. the United States is prepared to help you in every way possible. whatever your decision." This bill is addressed to an economic and social problem. not a political problem. The bill contains special provisions for children in order that families may be kept together in case a child in a family applying for permanent residence might be found excludable under certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Mr. Speaker. I hope that this bill will receive prompt action by the Congress. The Cuban refugees deserve the opportunity to participate as permanent residents in the free society to which they with hope have fled.