I believe that this film will dispel much of the ignorance that surrounds Cuba. and I have indications from my constituents that if the ICA releases this film that it will be aired in Florida. Florida has been made to bear the responsibility for the massive exodus from Cuba last year resulting from failed economic and social policies under Castro. America opened wide her arms for the Cuban refugees and then left the people of Florida to bear the burden. Floridians are a generous and giving people. but they have been called upon to give too much. The rest of the Nation has turned its back on the Cuban refugee problem. For example. last week the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee denied a national responsibility in finding solutions to the Caribbean refugee problem by cutting by more than one half the funding for Cuban/Haitian refugee assistance. I believe that we must develop a national policy to prevent a recurrence of the Cuban boatliftthe people of Florida can be asked to bear no more. Clearly. the blame for the plight of refugees lies with the disastrous socialist policies of the Cuban regime. but the immediate problems stem from decisions made by other administrations. The innocent ones in this situation are the stalwart people of Florida. and the refugees themselves. Certainly no one can condemn the Cuban refugees for seeking a better life across the water as did almost all of our forebears. Except -for the criminals that Castro sent over with the refugees. who should be treated as such. the refugees are victims of a stagnant. oppressive Cuban regime. This amendment which I am proposing will make the Cuban refugees more real and human to those who view the film. and I urge my distinguished colleagues to give their full support to this amendment. Mr. President.
Identified stereotypes
Generalizing that Castro sent criminals over with the refugees.