Speech #1000080335

Mr. Chairman. the bill we are considering today. H.R. 618. will bring consistency to our immigration policies by establishing equal treatment for people fleeing equally violent conditions in El Salvador and Nicaragua. Attorney General Meese recently announced that the administration was suspending deportation of Nicaraguans since their safety could not be guaranteed because of political instability in Nicaragua. The administration has steadfastly refused to grant similar status to Salvadorans. They are fleeing from a country whose government is different in its political orientation but differs little in the violence that plagues its residents. By suspending deportation of Salvadorans and Nicaraguans pending completion of a study of the fate of those already deported. this bill guarantees them equal treatment. Equally important. it ensures that our country is not put in the position of deporting people who legitimately fear for their lives if forced to return to their homeland. A recent report by the General Accounting Office concluded that available data were not reliable or complete enough to prove the State Departments contention that there was no persecution of Salvadorans sent home from the Untied States. It found that some of the Salvadorans who have been deported have experienced "personal security problems" because of the unrest in that country. Under these circumstances. deportees safety cannot be assured. H.R. 618 takes a moderate approach in respecting this most basic human right. It does not grant permanent resident status to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans. Instead. it suspends further deportation until we can make sure that those who are returned will have no reason to fear for their lives if they are returned to their homeland. Those who are here now will be able to stay on a temporary basis. The bill also specifies that those Salvadorans and Nicaraguans who are allowed to stay temporarily will not become public charges.