15183. a bill which I authored to provide for the adjustment of the status of Cuban refugees who have arrived in the United States since January 1959. I join Chairman FEIGHAN in stressing the need for this legislation and its benefits to both Cuban refugees and the United States. I have long been interested in the welfare of Cuban refugees. many of whom have settled in my district. Over twothirds of Cuban refugees in the United States are now on parole status. The majority of them are employed. they pay taxes and are far from being public charges but. rather. are contributing to the general welfare of the various communities where they have settled. Enactment of this- legislation would reduce our Governments expenditures in behalf of Cuban refugees and would extend to them the opportunities and responsibilities that accrue from permanent residence. Their lack of permanent status prevents them from accumulating the necessary residence to become citizens. My bill provides that. upon approval of the application. a record of admission for permanent residence would be created as of that date. I remind you that the beneficiaries of this bill could have come to the United States as immigrants had diplomatic relations been maintained between our Government and Cuba. My bill merely relieves the refugee of the burden of following a difficult and often costly procedure to establish permanent residence. As I have said. and as others noted during committee hearings. H.R. 15183 is in the interest of both our country and the freedomseeking refugees from Castros communism. Many skilled and professionally trained Cubans have found it impossible to practice their professions because the indefinite nature of their present status has prevented compliance with licensing and other requirements calling for citizenship or permanent resident status. Their gainful employment and selfsufficiency. a blessing to them. would also be a credit to our country.
Keywords matched
immigrants refugee refugees