Some are barred from carrying on an occupation. such as a doctor or lawyer. because of State law provisions barring temporary residents from being licensed in such occupations. I have had numerous cases of this type called to my attention. The only way these people can now acquire permanent resident status is to obtain an immigrant visa from a U.S. consular office abroad. This means that they must incur the bother and expense of traveling to a foreign country. in most instances to Canada. in order to obtain such a visa. I think it is time we took a realistic attitude regarding the situation facing these Cuban refugees. Some consideration was given to legislation similar to that which is now being considered when the Immigration Act Amendments of 1965 were before the Congress last year. Action was postponed at that time. however. in view of the possible diplomatic implications of such legislation. This year the Department of State expressed its support for H.R. 15183 and its spokesman stated to the Judiciary Committee that the proposed legislation "would in no way reflect any change in attitude on the part of the U.S. Government with regard to the present regime in Cuba." Enactment of this legislation will not only save a great deal of money for the refugees who are now forced to incur unnecessary travel expenses. it will also save a little money for the Government. It will also improve the employment prospects of many of the refugees and thus assist them in resettling in various areas of the country. I am happy to express my unqualified support for this bill. which is at once humanitarian and practical in purpose.
Keywords matched
immigrant Immigration visa refugees