Speech #930120743

I rise in support of H.R. 981. This bill has a number of very significant features. not the least of which is that it provides for equal treatment of the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere except for the numerical limitations. This is very important. because It will restore a basic principle to our entire immigration policy. and that is to give preference to the reunion of families and preference to persons who have special skills needed in our labor market. I also wish to draw the attention of my colleagues to a very important change in the refugee provisions of H.R. 981. Under the present law a refugee is defined as a person who flees from political or religious or other persecution in a Communist country only. Persons who flee from a country that is not Communist. as a result of such persecution. do not acquire refugee status for immigration purposes. This bill makes a change that will accommodate all refugees from persecution. whether they come from Communist or nonCommunist countries within the preference system and within the Immigration limit. I think it is an important change. Mr.