Mr. President. those of us who have closely followed over many years the tragic flow of refugees around the world. and the critical foreign policy and humanitarian issues they represent. cannot help but be dismayed over the administrations flippant and scaremongering comments on the Central American refugee crisis. Contrary to the Presidents recent statement. the crisis of refugees from Central America is not a crisis of the futureit is a crisis that is already here. with nearly half a million refugees already displaced within their country or fleeing across borders to neighboring countries. They are fleeing violence and escalating conflict. A policy of pouring more arms and more military personnel into the region. without engaging in serious diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict. will only prolong this violence and produce more refugees. If this administration is genuinely concerned over the plight of refugees from Central America. then let it engage in policies that will bring them peace and relief todaynot more war tomorrow. If we are concerned over the flow of Salvadoran refugees to our borders. then let us demonstrate some concern and help for them when they seek safe haven in Mexico. in Honduras. and elsewhere. Mr. President. it is long past due for us to support regional and international initiatives to assist those countries of first asylum. such as Mexico. to help them cope with the rising tide of refugees that have come from Guatemala and El Salvador. Last week. the New York Times succinctly stated the issue and. I believe. properly took this administration to task for shouting "the refugees are coming"-which is a cry that "is neither a humane refugee policy nor a persuasive argument for Mr. Reagans larger policy." I ask that this editorial be inserted in the RECORD.
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refugee refugees