With the sympathetic aid from our Government and dedicated assistance from the voluntary agencies. these unfortunate. but courageous. people have made an excellent adjustment in communities throughout the United States. They desire to become fully productive members of our society and to give them this opportunity not only serves their interests. but serves as well the best interests of the United States. Under the provisions of existing law. natives of the Western Hemisphere are precluded from adjusting their status to permanent residence while in the United States and consequently must journey to a consular post abroad. secure an immigrant visa. and be readmitted for permanent residence. For a refugee who has entered our country without fortune. it is a tremendous burden on him. in both time and money. This legislation merely relieves the Cuban refugee of this burden and authorizes the Attorney General to adjust his status in the United States. The Cuban refugees have good work records. But. in many instances. they are underemployed. Time and again employers have prompted the Cubans to become permanent residents so that they can offer them better job opportunities and thereby give them a definite sense of belonging. Many years ago. in July 1958. the Congress enacted legislation. which I had introduced. to authorize adjustment of status for Hungarian refugees who came to the United States after the gallant. but unsuccessful. revolt which took place in that country exactly 10 years ago this week. These likewise unfortunate persons were unable to return to their country. We offered them new opportunities which they quickly seized and. in the light of history. our action not only benefited the United States domestically and proved to the world our hospitality for victims of tyranny. but also further reaffirmed our position as the leader of the free world.
Keywords matched
immigrant refugee visa refugees