No one can doubt that political violence is more pervasive and widespread in El Salvador than it is in Nicaragua. Study after study has found a strong statistical relationship between the level of political violence in El Salvador and the number of Salvadorans that migrate to the United States. If we are compassionate enough as a nation to suspend deportations of Nicaraguans. I think we are compassionate enough to do the same for Salvadorans. The measure before us today is a temporary measure. It would grant extended voluntary departure to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans until such time as the GAO can determine both the political situation in El Salvador and Nicaragua and the fate of those refugees who have returned home. This measure will allow us more time to study the situation in these two countries. In the meantime. it will prevent the waves of deportations that are sure to follow if we do not act today. We are not here to embarrass the administration. This is an evenhanded bill. It should command the support of both parties. At this critical time in the history of El Salvador it would be wise to heed the advice of Salvadoran Archbishop Arturo Damas. In a letter urging the suspension of deportations. he said: "We believe this extension is necessary today more than ever * * *. The massive return of illegal Salvadorans would not only disrupt what has been achieved with great effort. but revert to a worse situation." I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this measure.
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deportations refugees