A copy of this article follows my remarks. and I urge those who have not to take the time to read it. Mr. Speaker. while various legal actions have permitted Charlie and his family to live and work in the United States without the threat of being deported. these same actions also prevent Charlie and his family from becoming lawful permanent residents [LPRs]. the first step in realizing their dream of becoming full citizens of the United States. Charlie is essentially a man without a country. Without private legislation. the only means currently available to Charlie for securing LPR status is to go before an immigration judge and request a suspension of deportation. To do this. however. he would have to declare himself deportable and rely on the mercy of the judge to rule in his favor. If the judge were to rule against him. Charlie would face immediate deportation to one of the most repressive countries in the world as well as possible separation from his family. To require Charliea man who spent 7 years in a Chinese prison because he would not denounce his former Marine friendsto make this impossible choice seems unfair and unreasonable. During the 102d Congress. the Senate voted unanimously in favor of a bill granting Charlie and his family the ability to apply for LPR status. Likewise. the International Law. Immigration and Refugee Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously endorsed the bill. Unfortunately. as this approval came during the waning hours of the 102d Congress. the full Judiciary Committee did not have time to meet on this billalthough every Indication pointed to its approval. I am resuming this effort in the 103d Congress.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration deportable deported Refugee deportation