Speech #960205004

Speaker. I rise in support of this conference report. As we all know. the admission of refugees to this country has been a very significant part of our immigration process. Yet today. we have no regular system to provide for such admission nor any uniform and comprehensive program to assist refugees once admitted to resettle in this country. both issues of national concern. These issues are addressed in this legislation steered through the Congress by the able chairperson. the gentlelady from New York. Adoption of this conference report and enactment of the Refugee Act of 1980 will correct this situation by establishing a statutory procedure for refugee admissions and resettlement in this country. After a decision is made by the executive branch to admit refugees. consultation is mandated under the bill with Members of the Congress as to both the numbers of refugees to be admitted and as to the allocation of such numbers among persons around the world who qualify as refugees under the new expanded definition contained in the bill. The gentlelady from New York. Subcommittee Chairwoman HOLTZMAN. has stated the House position prevailed to a significant extent. I just want to emphasize certain points which I feel are most significant. We were concerned that the Congress maintain a significant role in the decision as to how many numbers of refugees are admitted to this country. As I said. this bill requires consultation with Members of both Houses. and it sets forth. in specific detail. information which must be provided as a part of this consultation process. It includes the following: First. A description of the nature of the refugees situation. Second. A description of the number and allocation of the refugees to be admitted and an analysis of conditions within the countries from which they came. Third. Proposed plans for their movement and resettlement and the estimated cost of their movement and resettlement.