Mr. Speaker. I wish once more to take advantage of the oppodunity to address the House on behalf of the plight of the thousands of Haitian refugees who are being forcibly returned to their homeland. The situation in Haiti is not only bad. it is also very complex. Haitis democratically elected President has been forced into exile. the military thugs are in power. and the OAS embargo Is choking the life out of the Haitian nconomy. Haitians are both economically and politically oppressed. But not every Haitian who flees the island in fear for his or her life is an economic refugee. Not every Haitian who risks life and limb In an attempt to reach safety here in the United States wants to remain here. The Haitian refugees first wish is to return home where they can enjoy the same rights and liberties that we do here In America. Taking to the high seas is a last ditch effort In their attempts to escape torture. and even deaththe fate of those Haitians who support democracy. The journey to the United States is a last resort in their struggle for survival. And that is why I find the administrations position in regard to these people both cruel and insensitive. I can neither understand nor support it. I agree that it is important to distinguish between political and economic refugees. And I acknowledge that we cannot afford to open our doors to all the poor people of every nation who want to enter the United States to better their lives. But thats the reason for the asylum processfor granting hearingsto determine if. indeed. because they are being politically persecuted at home. Haitian refugees are entitled to come into our country. So why dont we let the process decide? Why dont we grant these people the hearings to which they are entitled. and then make our decisions?
Keywords matched
refugee asylum processfor refugees