Mr. Chairman. I rise today to voice my opposition to the administrations policy toward Haitian refugees. I also rise in strong support of the Haitian Refugee Protection Act. the bill which suspends the forced repatriation of Haitians seeking refuge from political repression and violence in their homeland. Since the military coup ousted JeanBertrand Aristide. Haitis first democratically elected President on September 30. about 15.000 Haitians have fled their homeland to escape acute. continuing repression and human rights violations in Haiti. Upon fleeing. thousands of Haitians have been intercepted by the Coast Guard and taken to the United States naval base at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba. International law dictates that refugees seeking political asylum may not be returned to their homeland if there Is a threat of persecution. The United States. however. has forced the repatriation of Haitian refugees despite the undeniable threat of political persecution upon return. Contrary to the administrations statements. the majority of detained refugees are not economic migrants. but political targets for the military regime. Mr. Speaker.
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Refugee migrants refugees