Chairman. as a cosponsor of H.R. 45. I strongly support the legislation before us today to grant temporary refuge for Chinese and Central Americans currently in the United States. The unique situation of these refugees is clear. the politicallymotivated violence that rages In El Salvador and Nicaragua. and the ongoing crackdown on prodemocracy demonstrations in China make It impossible for many of these expatriates to return to their homelands at this time. It would be cruel and contrary to the fundamental principles of our Nation to push these immigrants from our shores under these conditions. Many of the Nicaraguan and Salvadoran immigrants have essentially been displaced by war in their countries. Even if as individuals they may not all be the specific targets of political repression in their native lands at this time. the very fact they fled the violence to come to the United States makes them suspect if they are forced to return home. The ongoing civil strife in Central America makes it difficult to predict if. when. and against whom the next crackdown will occur. in the Peoples Republic of China the situation is even more selfevident.
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immigrants refugees