Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of H.R. 1452. the Refugee Assistance Extension Act of 1985. and I want to express my support in particular for the authorization of targeted assistance. Shortly after the Refugee Act was first enacted in 1980. south Florida faced the massive uncontrolled Martel boatlift. This wave of immigration was unlike any we had experienced before. There was no prescreening or any orderly resettlement program. Within a short period of time. 120.000 Cubans reached our shores. South Florida tried valiantly to cope with this sudden shock. but local agencies were quickly overwhelmed. This sudden influx was not the fault of local authorities.
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Refugee immigration