Speech #990275440

They argue that a benefit like extended voluntary departure status will have a magnet effect and attract even more illegals. The language in the bill should obviate the concern. No benefit would accrue to a Nicaraguan who enters the United States after enactment of the bill and an alien who would otherwise be eligible for temporary suspension of deportation would forfeit that benefit if he or she leaves the United States and seeks to reenter. The second argument we will hear is that special protection for Nicaraguans would undermine the Refugee Act of 1980. Before 1980. refugees were admitted to the United States under piecemeal and nationspecific legislation. The Refugee Act of 1980 was intended to provide an orderly and equitable process for establishing the need for asylum or withholding of deportation. That argument is unpersuasive. We have already provided special consideration for nationals from certain countries. As I noted before. aliens from 14 countries have enjoyed extended voluntary departure status and nationals from 5 countries currently enjoy that status. After the Refugee Act of 1980. immigration authorities began to provide a stay of deportation for Poles who were in the United States as of December 23. 1981. and who are unwilling to return to Poland because of conditions there. Immigration authorities also do not enforce departure for Ethiopians who arrived in the United States before June 30. 1980. The legislation before us would not be the first time this Nation has recognized extraordinary circumstances and seen the need to work around the Refugee Act. And I repeat. the circumstances in Nicaragua are extraordinary. The fighting and indiscriminate destruction. the terror and internal strife in Nicaragua cannot be ignored. The repressive record of the Sandinistas has been established. the Sandinistas have gagged the citizens. shut down La Prensa and controlled the media. and attempted to export a revolution without borders. I admit we are divided about Nicaragua but even those who disagree with me about the Communist takeover cannot ignore the reality of the internal conflict there and the very real dangers any deported Nicaraguan would face. In the long tradition of humanitarian concern this Nation has displayed and in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances in Nicaragua. I urge my colleagues to support a temporary suspension of deportation and to vote against the motion to strike.