President. today I am introducing legislation to right a wrong that has been committed against the people of my State. Five years ago this month a massive wave of humanity. 150.000 strong. swept up on the shores. beaches. and docks of south Florida. Florida. like the rest of this country. has been proud of its immigrant heritage. We have stood firm in our commitment to do our share in making the United States a refuge for those who are fleeing tyranny and persecution. and we continue to stand firm in that commitment. but enough is enough. We are committed to doing our share. to pulling our load. but we have been asked instead to pull a disproportionate share of this burden. In the period of 6 short months. 150.000 Cuban refugees inundated south Florida. They did so with the full knowledge and cooperation of the U.S. Government reflecting the fact that immigration policy in this country is the responsibility of the Federal Government. Yet the Federal Government has failed to live up to its obligations. This socalled Mariel boatlift has cost the State and local taxpayers of Florida over $150 million. and this doesnt include such things as the additional pressures that such a large influx of people have on State and community services. such as fire. sewage. utilities. and so forth. The legislation I am introducing today will put this burden back where it belongson the Federal Government. The legislation calls for a reimbursement of $150 million to the State of Florida and Its local governments for expenses they have Incurred In helping these refugees adjust to their new lives here In the United States. Mr. President. it is fundamentally unfair to expect one State and its taxpayers to bear such a large portion of this burden.
Keywords matched
immigrant immigration refugees