Mr. Speaker. on June 20. 1980. after weeks of uncertainty and delay. the administration announced its intended policy regarding Cuban and Haitian refugees. A legislative package was sent to Congress in early August. Many knowledgeable observers agree. however. that the administrations proposal does not adequately address the issues presented. and that it is therefore necessary to propose an alternative approach. I am also concerned with indications that the administrations proposal will be rejected by the relevant congressional committees. and that the currently untenable situation will continue indefinitely. I believe that the desperate needs of the Cuban and Haitians refugee populations. and the fiscal and social needs of State and local communities impacted by these refugees. must be immediately and fully resolved. To this end. I am convinced that the national interest will best be served if. as expeditiously as possible. Congress enacts legislation authorizing the granting of political refugee status to up to 120.000 Cubans who entered the United States after April 21 and date of enactment. and up to 30.000 Haitian boat people who entered the United States in Florida after January of 1972 and date of enactment. Today I am introducing legislation which would provide that these persons are political refugees within the meaning of the Refugee Act of 1980. and are thereby eligible for rights and benefits accorded the Indochinese. Soviet Jews. and other refugees. The legislation would also provide for Federal assistance to States and localities pursuant to the provisions of the 1980 Refugee Act. Problems mount day by day as the status of the Cubans and Haitians remains unresolved. I. therefore. which to stress my hope that this legislative initiative can be considered and enacted prior to congressional adjournment on October 4. 1980.
Keywords matched
Refugee refugee refugees