Mr. Speaker. as the contentious issue of immigration reform continues to work its way through the legislative process. I believe it is important to remember that there are other issues in addition to employer sanctions and an amnesty program which will be considered when this bill ultimately reaches the floor of the House. A significant aspect of the SimpsonMazzoli package that has not received much public attention makes sweeping changes in our asylum adjudication procedures. As a nation which has always stood for democracy and freedom. the United States has traditionally served as a refuge for those individuals who flee their home country for fear of persecution or a threat to their lives. Many of the proposed changes in the immigration law would significantly affect Americas place as a haven for these brave people. I would like to take this opportunity to commend to my colleagues an article written by Arthur Helton of the Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights. This piece outlines many of the legitimate concerns that have been raised about the impact of SimpsonMazzoli on those seeking asylum in this country. The article. which appeared in the Los Angeles Times. follows: (From the Los Angeles Times. Jan. 24. 1984]
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immigration seeking asylum