I want to reiterate what my friends. the gentleman from California and the gentleman from Minnesota just stated. because the issue seems to have otherwise been cast into an incorrect light. The amendment which I offer does not change the basic period of eligibility for benefits financed by the Federal Government. The bill itself provides that the limitation for the provision of child welfare services shall be 48 months. beginning with the first month in which the refugee children are in the United States. E5 1540 Then again the bill provides that eligibility for cash assistance and medical assistance programs provided to refugeesthat is. other than child welfareshall be 48 months beginning with the first month in which they arrived in the United States. The only effect of the amendment which I and the gentleman from California have offered is that these limitations do not begin until October 1. 1981. The reason for that is selfexplanatory. These people arrived on our shores in 1975. 1976. and 1977 with no skills. unequipped to fit into our society. and we simply did not have programs in being or programs in line which were designed and efficient for helping these people become assimilated. This first group needs the additional time. Thereafter refugees will be limited to 48 months. This is not a permanent 5 years for everyone. It is a 48month eligibility. and the 48month limitation will not become effective until 1981 under this amendment.
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refugees refugee refugeesthat