His service to the House of Representatives commenced in 1946 and he remained with the House Judiciary Committee until 1964. From 1964 to 1970 he served as Deputy Director of the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM). As a former member and chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Nationality. I had the distinct pleasure to meet. from time to time. with Walter Besterman during the ICEM working sessions in Geneva. During this time we were able to discuss problems of international migration and refugee assistance. as well as the vitality of. and continued need for. ICEM. After his tenure there. he became in 1971. the overseas director of the Tolstoy Foundation. Inc.. a charitable organization active in refugee relief with its headquarters in New York and last November he was elected senior vice president of the foundation. My colleagues on the committee and in the House. I am sure. will recall his legal background and expertise in the field of immigration and nationality. His diligent and untiring efforts as a professional staff member contributed significantly to the reform and liberalization of our immigration law. The compassion and humanitarianism of Mr. Besterman contributed in no small way to our unceasing efforts to solve our immigration and refugee problems. His understanding and sincere desire for fairness contributed greatly to reuniting families and otherwise assisting those abroad who wished to make their home in the United States. He also helped to enlighten our own people as to the plight of refugees from all countries. I am indeed saddened by the death of this dedicated public servant. and on behalf of my colleagues I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his lovely wife and son. Mr.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration refugee refugees