Mr. Speaker. last week. the world was presented with a vivid look at the failure of Fidel Castros effort to make the Communist system work in Cuba. Proving just how out of touch he is with the mood of his people. the Cuban dictator announced on April 5 that all Cubans wishing to emigrate to Peru were free to do so. Castro sought to embarrass Peruvian officials who had granted asylum to a number of Cubans who had forced their way onto Perus Embassy grounds in Havana. Much to Castros own surprise and embarrassment. 10.000 Cuban citizens fought their way onto the Embassy compound in the ensuing 38 hours. This -early April drama clearly reflects the Cuban peoples dissatisfaction both with- the failure of Castros economic policies and with his systematic program of political repression. On Monday. the administration announced that 3.500 of the new refugees would be granted asylum in the United States. I commend this humanitarian action and also support the provision that first preference be given to former political prisoners and those with relatives already in this Country. Given the U.S. charitable action in accepting more than a third of the emigrees. it is incumbent upon the other nations of the free world to do their part in making the rest welcome.
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emigrate refugees