Mr. Chairman. I rise In support of the amendment offered by the gentleman from Maryland to increase funding for refugee assistance. and urge my colleagues to support this amendment. This amendment would provide assistance for the resettlement of the 7.000 additional refugees that the President has agreed to admit into the United States each month. I cQmmend the President for this impbrtant decision. We now have the opportunity to implement his decision by offering Indochinese refugees the means of ietting to the United States and beginning a new life. By this action. our country- will demonstrate its continued wilingness to assist these people and easethir -unbearable suffering. We are all aware of the special obligation we have inthis area. We mlst demonstrate to the world community our willingness to commit our resources to this difficult problem. Our positive action will be well received and make it easier for other nations to support this cause. Many believe that the United States has special responsibilities towards the refugees. and are waiting for us to act. Other nations. notably Japan. have already committed resources to assist Indochinese refugees. The time has come for us to offer a strong helping hand. Without this assistance. our decision to double the immigration quotas for Indochinese refugees will be only a hollow gesture. Funds for the processing. transportation and resettlement of refugees are essential if these people are to adjust properly to their new surroundings and resume a normal existence. Southeast Asian refugees have demonstrated an overwhelming desire to achieve financial selfsufficiency and integration within our society. They cannot. however. do this without some basic help. We have all read of the suffering and overwhelming misery of Asias boat people.
Keywords matched
immigration refugee refugees