Speech #990189596

Mr. Speaker. I would like to briefly recount the legislative history of House Resolution 409 and to acquaint my colleagues with the activities of my Immigration Subcommittee and the full Judiciary Committee regarding it. The resolution was introduced on April 8. 1986. and on April 10 referred to my subcommittee. Because the members of the subcommittee felt that time was of the essence. and that the resolution should be moved quickly. all of the members of the subcommittee. in a letter to Chairman RODINO on May 14. 1986. requested that the resolution be taken up by the full committee as quickly as possible. H. Res. 409 was considered by the full Judiciary Committee this morning and was approved unanimously by a record vote of 31 ayes. House Resolution. 409 expresses the sense of the House that the Attorney General of the United States should thoroughly and expeditiously examine all available evidence regarding the activities of former United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim during the Second World War. including those documents obtained by the World Jewish Congress. to determine whether. as provided in section 212(a)(33) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(33)). Kurt Waldheim is ineligible to receive visa to enter the United States should he seek entry. The formal description here is whether Mr. Waldheim is excludable under our immigration laws In 1978. the Congress amended the Immigration and Nationality Act by adding section 212(a)(33) providing for the inadmissibility of"(33) Any alien who during the period beginning on March 23. 1933. and ending on May 8. 1945. under the direction of. or in association with"(A) the Nazi government in Germany. "(B) any government in any area occupied by the military forces of the Nazi government of Germany. "(C) any government established with the assistance or cooperation of the Nazi government of Germany. or "(D) any government which was an ally of the Nazi government of Germany. ordered. incited. assisted. or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person because of race. religion. national origin. or political opinion.". Since that date. 77 individuals have been denied visa under section 212(a)(33). House Resolution 409 requests a complete investigation of Kurt Waldheims activities and. on the basis of these investigations. calls for a determination of whether he should be denied a visa should he attempt to apply for entry into the United States. I urge my colleagues support of this resolution. Mr.