Mr. Speaker. I rise today to introduce H.R. 2692. legislation which grants permanent resident status to Polish refugees who fled their country when martial law was imposed. For years. Polish refugees who fled their country when martial law was imposed have had to endure uncertainty and fear in this country. Under a special immigrant status called extended voluntary departure [EVD]. most have been given permission to reside and work in the United Statesbut only for 6 months at a time. Every halfyear. the Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] has had to renew EVD status or else these Polish refugees would be subject to deportation. While we are all grateful that the Reagan administration decided to act so expeditiously with the outbreak of martial rule in Poland. the continued practice of EVD has wrought havoc with the lives of these refugees. Try to make longterm plans or committmentsgetting a mortgage. obtaining credit for major investments. landing a careeroriented jobwith the knowledge that every 6 months a decision could be made that would wipe all this out. Along with 55 of my colleagues.
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immigrant Immigration Naturalization deportation refugees