Speech #970191036

Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of H.R. 5879. the Refugee Assistance Amendments of 1982. which would reauthorize the Refugee Act of 1980. The Refugee Act is the first comprehensive Federal statute which contains a codification of practices which the United States has developed since World War II for the admission and resettlement of refugees and new trends to maximize these efforts. It has certainly proven to be an effective vehicle for us to contribute to international resettlement efforts for persons escaping repression and persecution in their home countries. By providing cash. medical assistance. social services. and other forms of assistance. the act has become a cornerstone in the refugees strive to become independent and productive members of our society. It has done away with a great deal of the stress newcomers encounter during the critical early period of the resettlement process when trying to adjust to life in the United States and also having to meet their immediate needs of food. clothing. and shelter. The Refugee Act has helped us to better coordinate our humanitarian policy and our domestic interests. Although the refugees in the world number in the millions. only a small portion can reasonably be considered for admission to this country. The act by requiring frequent contact of the Executive with the Congress and other parties involved in refugee affairs promotes the necessary updating of our refugee policies. This insures that in line with our humanitarian traditions. as many refugees as our Nation can properly absorb both socially and economically are welcomed to our land. I am particularly pleased with two provisions of H.R. 5879. Section 4(C) which requests from the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to avoid. to the extent it is feasible. the refugee resettlement in economically distressed areas and section 7 which requires from the Director of ORR to make a study on the plausibility of establishing a program to reimburse State and local governments for the increased budgetary outlays that they are obligated to make on government services such as schools. sewers. and police and fire protection. due to an influx of refugees. Mr. Chairman. I believe that these amendments will contribute vigorously in our efforts to better coordinate our immigration obligations with our obligations to our own unemployed and in easing the impact of legal immigration on this countrys economically distressed areas. I trust the study will pave the way to a comprehensive Federal program assuming full responsibility for what is a historical and inherent function of the Federal Government. the care of our refugees. H.R. 5879 as a whole should be fully supported and I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage.