Speech #890215044

Our data processing equipment in Miami shows that some 700.000 persons may want to leave Cuba. This will reduce the population of six million considerably. Castro gains the possessions of the refugees. we gain their skills and the refugees. gain their freedom. This is what .it Is all about. In the few moments remaining. I would like to emphasize a few matters with which I believe the members of this conference could concern themselves in the coming months. Over twothirds of the Cuban refugees in this country are here on parole status. It seems unfair to us that a person should be held "in limbo" for an indefinite period of time. This is not a matter of political concern. but rather one of economics. Too many persons are being forced to spend their limited resources to leave the country in order to apply for reentry as a permanent resident. Too many refugees are prevented from making advancement in their chosen line of work because of the inability to meet licensing or certification requirements. I hope that this conference will be able to lend its support to legislation that has been introduced to both houses of Congress to permit the adjustment of immigration status for the Cuban refugee. The second area in which I believe the members of this conference can concern themstelves is in the field I touched on earlier. There is evidence in both the executive and legislative branches that our government is anxious to review the type of international machinery that is presently available for assisting refugee situations wherever they occur. I hope that you people will follow this matter closely and find a way in which you can express your comments and thoughts on this matter. so that a real grassroots opinion will be available to our Congress. * It was gratifying tolearn that members of Congress who addressed the recent Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration meeting in Geneva. mentioned this need for a review of the refugee machinery. Senator EDWARD KENNEDY has indicated that his subcommittee will hold hearings so that a detailed look can be made of the presentday international machinery available to assist refugees. We have learned a great deal about refugees in the past two decades. beginning with the displaced persons and running through the Hungarian crisis. the African development into presentday Viet Nam and Cuban refugees. Let us use these hardearned lessons to worldwide advantage. Statistical reportCuban re/ugee program Cumulative since January 1961 (as of May 13. 1966) Registrations ------------------------------- 202. 379 Resettlement --------------------------------- 111.556