Speech #920289125

And we can only hope that our Government and others will actively consider every appropriate stepincluding a halt in foreign aidto help insure the humane treatment and protection of Americans. and all foreign nationals in Uganda. But in a rising concern over the plight of our fellow Americans in Uganda. let us not forget the plight of the people in Uganda. especially the tens of thousands of Asians currently being expelled by the Government. As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugees. over the past several weeks I have also followed developments relating to this latest link in the chain of human tragedy over recent years. In light of what appears to be another case of international apathy toward international people problemsand in view of the growing difficulties regarding the movement and resettlement of the Asians. and possibly others--on September 8. I wrote to the Secretary of State to inquire about Americas policy and views toward this latest refugee problem. and to express the hope that our Government is concerning itself on at least three fronts. First. I suggested that our Government. in concert with others. should seek in every appropriate way to express a concern to the Ugandan Government over its policies toward Asians. Second. I suggested that our Government should actively support international initiatives to cope with the movement and resettlement of Asians who find it necessary to leave Uganda. including initiatives to involve the United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesUNHCRand the Intergovernmental Committee for European MigrationICEM. I especially feel that the expert counsel and services of ICEM can contribute significantly toward the humane movement of refugees from Uganda and their settlement in ICEM member countries and elsewhere. And finally. I recommended that our Government declare a refugee problem existing in Uganda. and that the Attorney General invoke section 212(d) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. as amended. to parole a reasonable number of Asians from Uganda into the United States. Although our immigration laws do not expressly contain a comprehensive asylum policy for homeless persons throughout the world. in practice our country has always been generous in providing resettlement opportunities to refugees. Solely for humanitarian reasons. I share the view of many Americans over the importance of continuing this tradition. and strongly feel it should cover a reasonable number of Asians who are currently leaving Uganda under duress. A similar communication. Mr. President. was sent to the Attorney General. because of his authority under the immigration laws. Hopefully. my recommendations. which are supported by many Americans. are being given every consideration by the executive branch. Mr.