Speech #990009693

Cuba is obliged by the agreement to take all of these persons back. Pursuant to the terms of the new United StatesCuban migration agreement of 1984. the U.S. Government will resume the processing of former political prisoners In Cuba for resettlement as refugees in the United States. This program had started in 1978. but was interrupted by the shameful Mariel episode that was cooked up by Castro himself in 1980. Over 1.000 applications have already been received from Cubans who have been released from prison after serving sentences for acts which Cuban penal legislation defines as "offenses against the security of the state." In other words. these freedomloving Cubans were exercising free speech and suggesting that Cuba try to become an open and democratic society. as had been promised by Castro himself before he came to power. The necessary steps are now being taken for the admission as refugees during the fiscal year 1985 of up to 3.000 persons. including such former political prisoners and their immediate family members. The refugees will be resettled throughout the United States. The resumption of normal immigrant visa processing in Havana involves no special treatment for Cuba. That countrys agreement to accept the return of those the United States was seeking to exclude restored Cubas eligibility to be treated like all other countries with regard to visas. The United States will continue to help those who want to flee from Castros totalitarian state. Castros involvement in the shameful act of sending thousands of Cuban mental patients and criminals to this country will not be forgotten.