I rise in support of H.R. 618 because it is a nonpartisan. humanitarian measure. We are well aware of the conditions in Nicaragua. of the abuses of the Sandinista regime and the atmosphere of violence that exists there. The Attorney General has even recognized this by encouraging Nicaraguan refugees to apply for political asylum. While not granting them extended voluntary departure status. his announcement would have the effect of giving these refugees the right to permanent residence in the United States. H.R. 618 actually does much less. It suspends the deportation of Nicaraguans and Salvadorans while the General Accounting Office conducts an investigation as to their displacement and the conditions which they find when they return to their native countries. It is a temporary status given to these refugees until conditions in their own country become better. While the Justice Department decided to favor Nicaraguan applicants for political asylum. it neglected Salvadorans altogether. A civil war atmosphere still exists in El Salvador despite the best efforts of President Duarte. This bill does not condemn his government and will not be interpreted as an insult to it. In fact. President Duarte has some months ago written to President Reagan requesting that Salvadorans not be deported. Opponents of this measure state that conditions are not that bad in El Salvador. Last year alone there were 1.700 political killings and disappearances.
Keywords matched
deported deportation refugees