I rise in support of this legislation. I want to point out however one of the observations I made at the time of the subcommittees hearings. Then I expressed the hope that the Cuban refugees will not lose their interest in or their desire to continue their fight to bring liberty and freedom to their fellow citizens who have remained in Cuba. I hope that the opportunity being afforded these refugees to acquire permanent status to qualify for American citizenship will not mean a diminution of their desires and hopes to restore liberty to Cuba. I raised the question in committee as to whether giving the refugees this opportunity for American citizenship might in any way diminish this hope. I have been assured by the leaders of the refugees and by knowledgeable Members of the House who know these people personally that this Is not the case. I would like to express today the sincere hope. recognizing as I do that most of the leaders of the Cuban people are part of this refugee group. that this opportunity to participate in the liberty and freedom of our country will increase rather than diminish their desires to help their fellow Cubans who have remained in Cuba. This legislation carries out the American philosophy of extending a helping hand and a welcome to oppressed peoples. I support its objective and urge the passage of the bill.
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refugee refugees