In their dissenting views on this bill. several committee members were highly critical of INSs Haitian detention policies and I certainly share their frustrations over the longterm detention of Haitians. I should add quickly that the committee has been involved in overseeing the Haitian issue for several Congresses. Members of the committee. including myself. have traveled to Haiti. extensive hearings have been held by the Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law. and tomorrow another Judiciary Subcommittee will be considering the impact of our Haitian detention policies on the Bureau of Prisons. It is indeed a most difficult problem. which is made even worse by our Governments misguided handling of it. I firmly believe that this problem will not be effectively resolved until the Congress and the executive branch can agree on a method for establishing a fair and expeditious asylum procedure along with reasonable and humane detention policies which will apply equally to all persons. regardless of their race or national origin. I reiterate that the Judiciary Committee will continue to review those matters that were not addressed by the instant legislation so that we will be in a position to make detailed recommendations on all matters relating to the Refugee Act of 1980 during the reauthorization process that must take place next year in the event this bill is enacted.
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Refugees Immigration Refugee