Speech #930013489

I would like to invite the attention of the House to the important work now being done by the Association of Indians in America. Inc. This nonprofit organization. the only organization of Indian immigrants now permanently residing in the United States. is one of the newest in that long line of associations which has done so much for the greatness of America. Like its forebears which guided the arrival of other immigrant groups to the United States. this organization is doing much to foster the ideals and spirit of America. while preserving ethnic identity. The Association of Indians in America. Inc.. has undertaken an important responsibility which demands our support and cooperation. As we all know. the Government of Uganda has ordered the deportation of its Asian population. Of the over 45.000 involved. we have done too little in America by accepting only 1.000 refugees to these shores. Additional efforts in this direction are needed and the association is doing its part in seeking an increase in the number of stateless Ugandan refugees allowed to come into the United States. But of equal importance is the work of the association in making America a home for the 1.000 whom we have admitted. Under the leadership of their president. Dr. Roshan Chadda. its members are providing their fellow Asians with an "orientation program" on America. They are teaching their fellow immigrants how to enjoy the best of their culture and at the same time take part in their new communities. I myself was privileged to receive a humanitarian award from the organization last October for my own "humanitarian efforts on behalf of the besieged Asians in Uganda." On December 10. I was privileged to present a "statue of liberty" as a symbolic gift of welcome to the refugees who were able to attend a meeting of the association in New York. The expulsion of the Asian Ugandans went almost too smoothly. Faced with the specter of so much potential suffering. as our colleagues know. I petitioned the Departments of State and Justice to grant special parole status to 5.000 stateless Ugandan refugees. But much more must be done to alleviate the suffering of those who have not had the good fortune to arrive in America. and efforts must be made to bring more of them here.