Speech #960089563

I think that we should request that the administration provide us with further information as to the amount of funds needed. I would first like to take a moment to touch on the merits of this amendment and explain why I feel the funds are necessary. The United States. in response to the current crisis on the seas of Indochina. has properly seen fit to admit a large number of Indochinese refugees to the United States in the coming months. As the administration announced in Tokyo. refugees will be coming to America at a rate of 14.000 per monthmore than double the number which have previously been admitted. Among this large number of refugees will be many children who are unable to speak the English language. If they are to become independent and productive members of our society. they must develop their Englishspeaking and writing skills. At present there are no funds specifically addressing the educational needs of the Indochinese children. Consequently. those States that have opened their doors and welcomed the refugees to their communities are left with the total responsibility of educating and caring for them. Rather than placing this type of burden solely on the States. we should instead be encouraging those States to welcome even more refugees by sharing the responsibility. One of the most effective and productive means of assistance is through education. However. although it is clear that there is a need for funds.