Mr. Speaker. yesterday I introduced legislation to permit Cuban refugees in the United States to adjust their status and become permanent residents of this country. if they so desire. This legislation. H.R. 15182 and H.R. 15183. presents two legislative approaches to this adjustment: First. permitting adjustment of status at the time of application. and second. permitting retroactive adjustment as of the date of last entry. I am keenly aware of and vitally concerned with the problems that these Cuban refugees have faced and are facing due to their temporary status in this country. The great majority of Cuban refugees in the United States are on a parole statusactually at the sufferance of. our Government. Consequently. they are hampered in complying with State licensure requirements and find themselves unable to qualify for the benefits that are derived from a permanent resident status. Rather than have the U.S. Government financially continue to support a Cuban refugee program. it certainly seems much more feasible to me to offer permanent resident status to the Cubans so that they can become equal participants in community affairs and not be looked upon as temporary parolees. The Cuban refugees have been seeking the protection of our shores since January 1959 and thousands have been within our borders for many years. I respectfully submit that it is not only in the best interests of the Cubans to have permanent resident status in this country. but it is also in the best interests of the United States economically. socially. and politically that the Cubans have the opportunities and responsibilities that accrue from permanent resident status. The Cubans are proud people. the Cubans have been our longtime friendly neighbors who turned to the United States for asylum and the United States spontaneously responded.
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refugee refugees