Mr. Speaker. continuing my reservation of objection. I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 323. designating October 30. 1991. as "Refugee Day." And I would like to take this opportunity to commend the gentleman from California for introducing this resolution. It is with gratification that we in the United States view the recent triumph of democracy throughout the world. In particular. it is heartening to observe in the countries behind the bygone iron curtain that democracy and the right to emigrate go hand in hand. The history of the United States would not be complete without the many success stories of refugees who came to our shores. Further. these success stories continue today with the relaxation of Soviet and Eastern European emigration. While we are facing a minor crisis with the numbers of refugees leaving the Soviet Union. it is a situation in which we can rejoice and should proudly take credit. After so many years of hard work for our Nation. these people are finally free. Unfortunately. in many parts of the world human beings are still being oppressed and still forced to flee their homelands to escape serious threats to themselves and to their families. Today. there are over 15 million refugees throughout the world. sometimes living in conditions so horrible that death is a commonplace event. It is hoped that this resolution will help bring attention to the plight of the refugee throughout the world. Accordingly. I urge my colleagues to support this timely legislation.
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Refugee emigration emigrate refugees refugee