Speech #1010070393

In addition. this program Is underutilized because of a deliberate lack of publicity. The INS does not publicize this program. because it fears that it would act as a magnet and attract more Lebanese to the United States. Regrettably. this lack of publicity has prevented many Lebarese from knowing about the extended voluntary departure program until after their visa has expired. In my district. if they apply for EVD after their visa has expired. (that Is. after they are "out of status"). their application Is usually rejected My legislation would create a new temporary protected status for Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States. It would provide them with the temporary haven that they need without acting as a magnet to Lebanese outside the United States. because this bill would address the needs of only the Lebanese who are currently in the United States. Lebanese nationals would be required to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. and the INS would Issue work permits to them so that they would be able to sustain themselves while they are In the United States. However. they would be barred from most forms of Federal aid and all forms of State assistance. These people would be designated under temporary protected status for the next 2 years. After that time. the Attorney General would have the authority to revoke the status by publishing a notice in the Federal Register. The Attorney General would review whether to continue to offer Lebanese nationals extended voluntary departure every 6 months. The Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act of 1989 will provide Lebanese nationals in the United States with a much needed temporary haven. I urge my colleagues to support this Important piece of legislation.