Speech #1010177052

Mr. President. today I am introducing legislation which will address some fundamental shortcomings in current U.S. refugee policy. This bill. the Refugee Repayment Act will help the United States accept a greater number of refugees. while making our refugee absorption system more equitable for the taxpayers of the United States. This bill will require refugees to share certain costs of their absorption into American society which are currently paid by the Federal Government. U.S. policy recognizes that refugees enter this country under much different circumstances than regular Immigrants. Refugees usually come to this country bereft of resources and often In mortal danger. We provide a range of services and benefits to refugees. which regular immigrants do not receive. to help them cope with their special circumstances. Refugees already repay the Federal Government for costs of their transportation to the United States. an average of $600 per refugee. according to the State Department. The initial cost of transportation is borne by the intergovernmental organization for migra. tion or I.O.M.. a Genevabased group set up in the wake of World War II. I.O.M. Is funded by contributions from member countries. The repayments are used by the State Department to offset the annual U.S. contribution to the I.O.M. The Department arranges for the actual collection of repayments through VOLAGSthe many voluntary agencies who dedicate themselves to the resettlement and welfare of refugees in the United States. Mr. President.