Still others have fled under adverse and hazardous conditions. using a small boat and the waters between Cuba and the United States as the gateway to freedom. The American people. especially the citizens of Miami and Dade County. Vla.. have responded generously to the needs of Cuban refugees. To assist this effort. in January 1961. President Kennedy established the Cuban refugee program. which is currently authorized by the Refugee and Migration Assistance Act of The goal of this program has been the resettlement of refugees throughout our 50 Statesfor resettlement provides most Cubans with the opportunity to live reasonably normal and productive lives until conditions permit an assisted return to their homeland. or for those who wish it to elect American citizenship. The Cuban refugee program is serving its purpose well. As the Refugee Subcommittees recent report states: The program has been planned wisely. administered efficiently. and carried out effectively through the cooperative efforts of citizens in Government and the private sector. I should add here. Mr. President. that the private voluntary agencies are providing the essential links between the program of Government and the humans in need. These agencies deserve high tribute for a job well done. In announcing the Cuban refugee program early in his administration. President Kennedy said: I hope these measures will be understood as an immediate expression of the firm desire of the people of the United States to be of t4ngible assistance to refugees until such time as better circumstances enable theni to return to their permanent homes Iri health. in confidence. and with unimpaired pride. This administration hopes the program will be considered first and foremost an essential humanitarian act by this country. We want it also to indicate the resolve Of this Nation to help those In need who stand with the United States for personal freedom and against the Communist penetration of the Western Hemisphere. It is in this spirit that I support the current effort of President Johnson. Mr. President. the Cuban refugee problem has been a major concern of the Subcommittee on Refugees for the past few years. It has worked closely with the executive branch and the voluntary agencies to assist in finding reasonable and cooperative channels to render the refugees effective asylum. I want to express the subcommittees continued concern in this matter. as we anticipate today an additional influx of refugees from Cuba.
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Refugees Refugee refugee refugees