Speech #890282687

Speaker. I proudly associate myself with and support the humanitarian and meritorious legislation now under consideration. This legislation. which will permit the refugees from Cuba to apply. if they so elect. for permanent residence in the United States. clearly demonstrates once again the compassion that the United States has. and always has had. for those persecuted people who must leave their native countries to seek precious freedom. The Cubans have demonstrated to the world. by leaving the Communist state of Cuba. their distaste for that form of government. The Cubans have proved to the world that they look to the United States as the land of freedom. This legislation is not complicated. it is not far reaching. and it does not contain obscure ramifications. The bill simply and expressly relieves the Cuban refugee of the burden of leaving the United States to secure an immigrant visa abroad. The refugees are given an opportunity to become a permanent part of the communities in which they live and eventually become citizens of this great country. The refugees have left their homes. and in most cases all of their possessions. in Cuba. but they come to this country with hope and industry. We have a responsibility to bring the best interest of the refugee and the best interest of the United States into alinement. The United States can look with pride on the legislation that has been enacted over the last score of years to assist refugees. There was the Displaced Persons Act of 1948. the Refugee Relief Act of 1953. special legislation to permit Hungarian refugees to become perma.nent residents in the United States. spe.cial legislation to admit Dutch refugees from Indonesia. special legislation to admit Portuguese victims of the volcanic eruptions in the Azores. the Fair Share Act enacted by the Congress during World Refugee Year and directed toward the final elimination of the refugee camps in Europe. and the recent amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act which set forth permanent provision for the admission of refugees from Communist and Communistdominated countries. The United States has responded quickly to the plight of the refugees from Cuba and. I may add. very effectively and efficiently in providing reception facilities. financial assistance when needed. education. and feasible relocation. I think. certainly. in keeping with our humanitarian American policy and for very practical reasons in our best interests. we must give these people every consideration. recognizing the many problems that have beset them and recognizing that they are victims of a system which they repudiate and reject.