Speech #940062941

Mr. Speaker. although we have heard some complaints about the admission of refugees from South Vietnam to the United States. I believe most Americans are willing to help these people who have no other source of assistance. Typical of the comment that I have seen in a number of newspapers is an editorial in the Cecil Whig of May 14. This newspaper. which is published in Elkton. Md.. deserves commendation for its sensible attitude toward this problem. The editorial follows: GIVE ME YOUR TrEDYouR HUDDLED MASSES We hope one of the sorriest episodes in our national experience is passing as more Americans revise their attitudes toward the admission of South Vietnamese refugees to our country. "Disappointed and very upset" by the opposition of some Americans in accepting refugees from Indochina. President Ford at his news conference last week said he was upset "because the United States has had a long tradition of opening its doors to immigrants from all countries ... and weve always been a humanitarian nation." In what can only be described as some kind of a traumatic reaction. many Americans oppose the absorption of refugees because they would take jobs away. they have a "different culture" (which is somehow suspect). and they are Orientals of the "yellow race." the last apparently having revived ancient fears of "The Yellow Peril." In a day when equality of opportunity is afforded members of our society without regard to race. religion or national origin. fear of a comparative handful of Vietnamese settling among us approaches the ridiculous. The majority of the Vietnamese refugees are people of intelligence who helped the United States authorities and military during the long war years. This activity surely marked them for death at the hands of the invading communist hordes. Many of the refugees are sophisticated and Well educated. some having graduated from itheir own universities or from those of France. a country with which they have had long association. President Ford argues that the absorption of 120.000 refugees would not be a serious economic burden. Sixty percent of the refugees are children. and only 35.000 are heads of families needing jobs. "Despite our economic problems." the President said. "Im convinced that the vast majority of Americans today want these people to have another opportunity" to escape