I would ask that the INS keep the intent I have expressed here today clearly in mind when interviewing re!ugee applicants from the categories described in this amendment. Mr. President. although this amc.ndment lowers the standard of proof for certain groups within their nave countries as well as those stranded .n refugee row in Italy and Vienna. we must remember that the impetus for this amendment was our concern over the large numbers of people already out of their homelands. displaced and uprooted. It is these groups that deserve priority attention and processing because they gave up home. family. and friends to rely on the U.S. Governments longstanding promise of resettlement. Even applying to leave their countries was for many. an act of extreme courage. So. first and foremost. we must assist those who have been waiting for long periods of time. some in camps. some in temporary settlements. All of these refugees must be processed quickly and humanely. Then we must assist those who remain within their home countries. but whose lives are crippled by persecution and fear and offer them refuge as well. Let me go on record here as saying that I and others will be watching the INS. the State Department. and the Justice Department as they administer the law that I believe this amendment will become. We will expect close consultation with Congress. and we will watch to see that our intentions in this matter are carried out faithfully. Mr. President. since conditions for the historically persecuted groups in this bill have not improved. nor has the INS shown an ability to fairly interview refugee applicants from these groups. this amendment is desperately needed as an interim measure. Until the INS shows an ability to implement its new standards of casebycase determinations in a fair and equitable manner. Congress must step in to remedy the inequities that are being caused by this new policy.
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refugee refugees