Hundreds of Floridians are victims of street crimes each day and there are 90.6 percent more Floridians on food stamps than there were in July 1989. And that is only second to New Hampshire. For many immigrant groups. Florida has historically been the gateway to the United States. In the past 40 years. of the 2 million refugees entering the United States. nearly 1 million entered through Florida and almost 800.000 remained. We have recognized their struggles. welcomed them into our communities. and done the best we can to provide for them. We have done so with little assistance from the Federal Government. The amount that States are reimbursed per refugee has decreased from $5.000 in 1985 to $1.300 In 1991. President Bushs 1993 budget proposal would decrease cash and medical refugee assistance from $8 million to $1.6 million. While many Floridians truly feel for the plight of the Haitians. the pain of the recession Is immediate. It is difficult to continue extending a hand to others when the costs are Incurred at their expense. Immigration control Is a Federal responsibility and until that responsibility Is met. Floridlans will be unable to share the American dream with Haitians and others like them who may have a valid claim to asylum. Support the Goss amendment and restore Federal involvement in what Is. rightfully. a Federal responsibility.
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immigrant Immigration refugee refugees