Speech #890257727

I have a large number of Spanishspeaking people in my congressional district. many of whom are of Cuban descent. I have long been interested in their welfare and problems. and they stimulated my Interest in the plight of Cubans who came to the United States to flee from communism. 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. I was the first member of the coinmittee to introduce this type of legislation to authorize the adjustment of status of the Cubans. The response to my proposals has been very favorable.