Speech #1020221762

DC. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: In accordance with the Refugee Act of 1980 (P.L. 96212). members of the Committee on the Judiciary have consulted with your representatives on the proposed refugee admissions for fiscal year Funding remains a concern. and the Committee trusts that the funding levels now under consideration will provide reasonable resettlement assistance for the proposed level of admissions. We reiterate our view that resettlement funding must correspond to the number of refugec- admitted. except. of course. In the case of emergency situations. As we expressed last year. the Committee believes that some refugee admission numbers should be reserved for refugees whom the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees identifies as being "at risk." Often these refugees must be moved within a matter of hours. or face refoulement and imminent danger to their lives or freedom. The United States has a proud record. but we do not always respond well to individual refugees in need of urgent protection. To respond to these needs the Committee suggests that specific numbers be used for this purpose. and that the Coordinator for Refugee Affairs establish a permanent procedure with the Attorney General allowing Consular Officers to admit these refugees "at risk" rather than waiting months for an INS "circuit rider" to interview them. Finally. we want to reiterate our support for effoits to itrengthen the peacekeeping and peacemaking roles of the United Nations--to deal with the root causes of refugee problems before they emerge into International tragedies. This Is a time of historic change in the world. and with the end of the Cold War It also provides an historic opportunity for the United Nations and its agencies to become more effective and involved. We are witnessing a greater willingness by governments to address humanitarian and other problems collectively through the United Nations.