Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 618. This measure will temporarily suspend the deportation of Nicaraguan and Salvadoran nationals currently in the United States. The administration has already effectively applied this policy to Nicaraguan refugees. This provision would simply provide for equal treatment in the case of refugees from El Salvador. I know that the Members of this House are well acquainted with the situation which has driven these refugees to seek the safety of this Nation. These innocent refugees have been forced to flee their wartorn homelands. and their plight is of deep concern to all of us. I have joined in cosponsoring this measure based on these humanitarian considerations. For the past 4 years. we have attempted to take steps to protect these people from the violence and indiscriminate persecution that has cost thousands of lives. As we have done in the past in cases involving the refugees of other wartorn nations. I believe it is just and appropriate for us to provide a temporary. safe haven to these refugees. In doing so. we merely acknowledge the fact that a situation of violence and strife still exists in El Salvador. as the administration has acknowledged in Nicaragua. which would make it perilous for these people to return to their homeland. Mr. Speaker. I strongly urge my colleagues to act with justice and compassion. and agree to provide a temporary stay of deportation to the refugees of Nicaragua and El Salvador.
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deportation refugees