Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of the Haitian Refugee Protection Act. This legislation would extend a minimum of compassionate consideration to thousands of anguished. displaced Haitian refugees. These refugees deserve all the understanding and mercy our Nation can offer. In recent years. we have witnessed a transformation in the world order as more and more nations seek to establish democratic governments. The tiny nation of Haiti has struggled to follow in the footsteps of those marching toward freedom and democracy. But. today. in Haiti. the dreams of democracy have surrendered to the hellish nightmare of a society torn and uprooted by the brutal military dictatorship that deposed its first freely elected President. Since last September. hundreds of Haitians have been murdered in the violence which has rocked this tiny island. More than 13.000 have fled the ruthless military regime that has destroyed their young democracy. and U.S. policy toward these refugees has been unconscionably callous. coldhearted. and uncaring. Amnesty International and Americas Watch have documented the persecution of the Haitian people. Yet. the State Department has scorned the pleas of thousands of suffering Haitians who have been ruthlessly deported and returned to the violent hands of its military rulers. We know that the people of Haiti deserve our compassionacross the Nation. Americans are pleading with the administration to stop the deportation of the Haitian boat people. As we debate whether or not to offer hope and compassion to the suffering Haitian refugees. one of our Nations national treasures. the famed choreographer and dancer. Katherine Dunham. is risking her life to help those fleeing Haiti. Ms. Dunham has been on a hunger strike since February 125 days. She has vowed not to end her protest until President Bush stops the deportation of thousands of Haitians from Guantanamo Bay. More than most Americans. Mrs.
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deported Refugee deportation refugees