Speech #930050508

I introduced a bill here in the House of Representatives to assure the millions of Spanish and other nonEnglishspeaking Americans fair and equal opportunity to all the benefits of our legal system. In districts in which at least 5 percent or 50.000 of the residents do not speak or understand English with reasonable facility. certification will identify them as bilingual and they will then have qualifications for interpreters. with fee schedules and all necessary facilities. established for them. In another area. the House Subcommittee on Immigration is presently holding hearings on legislation to establish a preference system for the Western Hemisphere nations and hopes to conclude its study in June. I have also sent the following letter to Secretary of State Rogers requesting him to support the admission to the United States of Cuban refugees presently residing in Spain: DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I understand that the airlift of Cubans directly from Cuba to the United States has been terminated. Furthermore. I understand that the number- of Cubans arriving in third countries. particularly Spain. has virtually ended and that few. if any. Cubans will be coming to Spain in the future. There are approximately 28.000 Cuban refugees presently in Spain and their presence has unduly burdened the voluntary relief agencies responsible for their care while they are awaiting the issuance of immigrant visas to enter the United States. The remittances from relatives and friends in the United States also contributes to a substantial dollar drain. As a result of the cultural affinities in the United States. as well as the desire to be reunited with family and friends. most of these Cuban refugees have applied for immigration. Sooner or later they will be admitted to the United States. Notwithstanding the fact that the Cuban refugees are in third countries. they are. and continue to be refugees from the totalitarian regime in Cuba. The arbitrary decision that these people be considered as immigrants is inconsistent with the late President Johnsons speech of October 4. 1965. that the United States would readily accept all Cuban refugees. and with the agreement that was the predicate for the airlift of Cubans from Cuba into the United States. I strongly suggest that the Department of State reconsider its policy and recommend to the Attorney General that the Cuban refugees in Spain be immediately paroled into the United States. It would only be reasonable to establish a cutoff date. perhaps June 1. 1973. for the use of parole. This recommendation is in complete accord with the humanitarian refugee policies of the United States and would significantly promote the reunification of families. which is the primary objective of our immigration law. Kindest regards. Sincerely.