Speech #1020176852

Mr. President. I rise today to introduce a joint resolution to designate October 30. 1992. as "National Refugee Day." The United States has consistently been a leader in the world community to expand efforts to help the needy population of refugees. Furthermore. refugees and immigrants who have come to the United States have been great assets to the Nation. The resolution I introduce today honors the courage and determination of refugees throughout the world and their contributions to this society. The current global climate requires that the United States continue to be a leader in refugee affairs. In the past decade. the plight of refugees worldwide has been worsening as the world refugee population has more than doubled. from 7.3 million to 16 million. The fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of new states present new challenges as well. The aftermath of the Persian Gulf war also contributes to the increase in the number of refugees worldwide. Onethird of the refugee population is found in Africa where the host countries have the weakest infrastructure and are the least able to sustain such large numbers of destitute people in flight. At no time has strong leadership by the United States been more necessary. The different cultural backgrounds that others bring to our shores provide an opportunity for cultural enrichment. We are a nation founded on the dreams and toils of immigrants. and immigrants continue to add to the vitality and diversity of America. Our Nation has served as a beacon to those who flee persecution. and it must remain so. As a nation of immigrants. we possess a deep understanding of and sympathy for the plight of the 16 million refugees in the world. Obviously. we cannot admit them all. but we must continue our historic commitment to resettlement and regional assistance. We must not only assist those fleeing tyranny and persecution. but we must also work to overcome these conditions. This resolution commemorates the continuing struggles of refugees and the need for active leadership by the United States. I am pleased to sponsor this Joint resolution. at the request of the Department of State. to set aside this one day. October 30. to honor the contributions that refugees make every day to America..