Speech #1010071637

The gentleman from Kansas [Mr. GucKMAN] and I recently introduced legislation to reunify the families of LebaneseAmerican residents and citizens and legislation to help Lebanese nationals who need a temporary haven in the United States. On September 11. 1989. we introduced H.R. 3239. the LebaneseAmerican Family Unification Act. which would permit Lebanese with family members of United States citizens and residents who qualify for visas to come here immediately. rather than wait for up to 6 years because of quota limitations under existing immigration laws. H.R. 3239 will temporarily lift the quota coiling that has created a tremendous backlog of Lebanese who want to escape the war and come to the United States. They will not come as refugees. but under the sponsorship of family members already in the United States. In addition. this bill will not affect Immigration quotas from other countries. On September 13. 1989. we introduced H.R. 3267. the Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act. While the vast majority of Lebanese nationals in the United States want to return to their homeland. the extremely violent situation in Lebanon prevents them from returning safely. Our country should act compassionately as a temporary safe haven for those who are here until it is safe for them to return. Our current Immigration and Naturalization Service policy does not adequately address their need for a safe haven. The Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act. H.R. 3267. would create a new INS status to allow the Lebanese to stay in the United States temporarily. 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. The INS would issue work permits to applicants. so that they can support themselves. The Lebanese nationals here under temporary protected status. however. would not be eligible for most forms of Federal aid and all forms of State assistance. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio again for bringing this resolution to the floor and drawing the attention of the American people to this tragic situation. As we all know. our Nation has a great tradition of helping those who are in need and who cry out against their suffering.