Speech #960243405

Mr. Speaker. the freedom flotilla which has brought approximately 100.000 Cubans illegally into the United States raises a number of very disturbing issues concerning this Nations ability to control immigration. The simple fact is that our economy cannot absorb an unlimited number of immigrants from around the world. The exodus from Cuba has operated outside the bounds of the New Refugee Acts prescription that prior screening on foreign soil is necessary for the admittance of refugees. In addition. the notion that political asylum can be applied indiscriminately to any large number of refugees stretches that concept beyond recognition. Add to this the recent disturbances and violence that not only resulted in injuries and property damage. but also taxed the ability of State and local governments to provide effective law enforcement. and the obvious result is a desperate need to reevaluate where we are going on this issue. We recognize that we are faced with a steady stream of people who look to the United States as the last bastion of freedom and as the promised land of opportunity. As Americans. we are proud that this Nation is so regarded. But we must also be wary of being so taken by the compliment that we are made blind to the problems of uncontrolled immigration. With unemployment rates increasing and with a projected recession that will be longer and deeper than previously predicted. our country has to establish priorities and to translate these into sound policy. At a minimum. the following steps are essential: First. We should establish an upper limit on the number of Cubans we will accept. a limit near to the present figure on refugees. with the clear message that those in excess of that limit will be relocated to other countries or repatriated to Cuba. Second. We should work diligently to have other nations accept some responsibility for the relocation of the Cubans. Third. We should involve the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees more actively in an effort to find a solution and to assist in relocation logistics. This is not simply a bilateral issue between Cuba and the United States. but involves refugee policies with international implications. and Fourth. We should investigate very thoroughly the recent uprising at Fort Chaffee. Ark.. and take immediate steps to return those involved in the rioting back to Cuba. This Nation should not tolerate lawlessness on the part of those who have no regard for the lives and property of others. As indicated. these steps are an absolute minimum to help cope with a crisis. Longer ranged review of our immigration and refugee policies is required so that we can avoid a repetition of this problem in the future. Our Nation is a compassionate one. and I would resist any effort to adopt a dogmatic policy of barring any immigration into the United States. But at the same time. we need to recognize our own limitations as a nation and to set reasonable limitations on those we permit to enjoy the benefits of life in America. Only through such a policy can this Nation hope to survive economically and politically.*