Speaker. I rise today to discuss an issue of great human concern. I am referring to the plight of the nearly 400 immigrants of the ship Golden Venture. whose illfated voyage has brought the suffering of these individuals to the attention of the American people. It is a case that alerts us to the victimization that so many people coming to this country are subjected to. as they are charged exorbitant passage fees by smugglers who then force them to work in what could only be described as slavelike conditions. But lest we contribute to their double victimization. we must strive to ensure the lawful and humane treatment of all people coming to our Nation. This means that we should expedite the processing of asylum cases. we should assure their access to legal representation as mandated by international law. and we should minimize their time of detention and facilitate their reunion with family members. Ours is a nation that holds great promises for people around the globe. people who are willing to risk their lives to flee persecution and arrive at our shores--It is. therefore. that we must be extremely careful to learn the correct lessons from the case of the Golden Venture.
Keywords matched
asylum cases immigrants