Speech #940058836

In some cases. they can be no more. At this time. we have no final information. We do not at this point know what the final number of refugees will be. we do not now know specifically how many might desire repatriation or resettlement in a third country. we do not now know definitely to what extent it will be possible for those desiring resettlement in a third country to be provided for. We do not now know how long the processing of many of those who remain in the refugee centers will take. Furthermore. we do not now know whether or not the required number of sponsors wil be forthcoming. We do not now know to what extent these persons can be absorbed into the work force at a time when 8.9 percent of our own people are unemployed. We do not now know the extent of the requirements that will be Imposed upon our State and local governments as a rtsuit of the influx of refugees. The amendment would. therefore. require that this informationspecific informationbe reported to the appropriate congressional committeesForeign Relations. Judiciary. and Appropriations. 30 days from enactment and that it be updated each 90 days thereafter. The provision of such Information will keep the Congress advised .of what is happening in the resettlement program and. hopefully. enable us to spot any particular problems which are arising. In a similar vein. the amendment further requires a plan for the resettlement of those remaining in the refugee centers. We have been told that "every effort" will be made to insure that resettlement will not be concentrated in a few enclavesL. Dean Brown statement. page 16 of the committee reportthat the administration hopes "third countries will be able to absorb as many as 15.000 refugees"-committee report. page 18and that Federal agencies are assessing housing and employment areaspage 21. The amendment requires that these principles be formalized into a plan to be included in the reporta plan which will indicate to Congress and the American people exactly how we are proceeding with the integration of these persons into our society. I offer this amendment as a means of bringing direction to the resettlement of refugees and as a means of keeping the Congress and the American people fully advised of developments taking place. We need to know exactly what we are doing. We owe it to the refugees and to our communities which will be absorbing them to make the transition as smooth as possible. That can best be done if we have a plan which sets our goals and principlesand the information which indicates to all our efforts and our approach. Resettlement in an alien country where traditions vary greatly from those to which one is accustomed cannot possibly be easy. It is up to our Nation. which bears a responsibility for the conditions which led the refugees here. to see that the assimilation is as easy as possible. At the same time. the concerns of our own citizens cannot be overlooked. My amendment addresses itself to both of these problems. It seeks to focus attention on the need for more direction in the resettlementfor additional planningwhich should assist the refugees. It sets principles for the resettlement planprinciples which. in addition to ordering the resettlement process. should reassure our own citizens. It provides for the release of information. which should alert us to developing Problems and give us in Congress and the administration the opportunity to resolve them before they become major burdens to those whose journey to a new life has been so long and to those whose communities may be called upon to deal with new difficulties. The amendment would. I believe. benefit the refugees. the Congress. and the American people. We are contemplating the authorization of over $400 million in this legislation. in addition to the sum of $100 million that has already been made available. Furthermore as the chairman of the committee has indicated. it is anticipated that additional funds will be required in the future.