Speech #1010099269

This does not apply. It would not have been germane if offered in the House. But more important than any issue of gerinaneness is the issue that this amendment does not require that individuals who are fleeing forced abortions or forced sterilization be granted asylum or refugee status. not at all. It merely says that these things should be considered. and the fact is that mere consideration is not enough. In addition to that. the Armstrong amendment introduces into our asylum laws a 1.000 cap. There is no cap in our current law. As many people as would be able to make this claim currently would get this status. so we are limiting for no apparent reason. limiting the rights of people under our asylum laws rather than expanding them. It also does not create a refugee program. There is no refugee program with respect to Chinese nationals. Therefore. refugee program with respect to Chinese nationals. Therefore. refugees. people outside the United States. are given no benefit and no protection under this legislation. The fact is that this problem is one that the Attorney General could easily solve. The Attorney General merely needs to issue a regulation. a regulation not a memo. a regulation which directs everyone under his jurisdiction including the immigration judges as to the fact that this is persecution under the Refugee Act. He has not done so and. frankly. if we pass this legislation. there is no guarantee that he will not provide that kind of protection. Finally. the vote in the Senate was not on this bill.