Speech #1030016477

Mr. Speaker. the Haitian refugee dilemma is a human tragedy that has become a familiar symbol of the ongoing human rights violations that have continued to plague the Western world. While we witness the genocide occurring in the former Yugoslavia. a malignancy persists in our own hemisphere. The Haitians face a truly unfortunate problem. They are faced with a despotic military regime that refuses to acknowledge the fundamental human rights that we as Americans takq for granted. At the same time. they face dire conditions if they turn to the dangers of the ocean in their makeshift boats. Under our current policy. these refugees can only look forward to being Interdicted while at sea or being Incarcerated for literally weeks before they are deported to their troubled land. Although I support the administration in its policy of discouraging Haitians to jeopardize their lives In their quest for freedom. I strongly urge the administration to expedite the diplomatic channels to speed the return of President JeanBertrand Adstide. We must send a clear message to the despotic military junta of Haiti that only President Aristide. the first democratically elected leader in Haiti in 200 years. Is the acceptable leader for the Haitian people. I urge this body to support H.R. 986 which adjusts immigration status for those Haitians who were in the United States prior to January 20. 1993. This legislation allows for the normal naturalization process for Haitians. It does not change or address the administrations policy In regards to those still in Haiti but seeks to justly address those who are caught in the policy limbo. Unlike Cuban refugees. Haitians are unduly locked up as if they had committed a crime. I urge my colleagues to strive toward an Immigration policy which is both fair and consistent. As we stand on the brink of the 21st century. the United States must remain firmly committed to the principals of democracy and human rights. Just as we push for the marketization of the former Communist bloc. so also we must call for the proliferation of justice throughout the world.