Speech #1030069283

R began his journey from Iraq in December 1987. He walked through the mountains for twelve hours and crossed the border into Iran. He was immediately placed in a refugee camp with harsh conditions. After several months in the refugee camp. Mr. R decided to leave Iran. He purchased a false passport with a United States visa and a plane ticket bound for the United States. He arrived at JFK airport via a stopover in London on May 17. 1990 and destroyed his passport in transit. Upon arriving in the United States. he was detained by immigration officials at the Wackenhut INS Detention Facility in Queens. New York where he remained until he was granted asylum in the United States by the Immigration court on August 23. 1991 * * * The cases of Ms. K and Mr. R represent the terrifying experiences of legitimate political refugees. We must continue to protect those bona fide asylees who seek refuge in this country. The alien smuggling enhanced penalties provisions of this bill address the despicable crime of smuggling human cargo for profit. In less than 2 years the INS has apprehended hundreds of passengers on several smuggling ships most of whom are from Chinas Fujian Province. After paying ruthless smugglers thousands of dollars for their lengthy journey to the United States. the Chinese immigrants face deplorable conditions aboard ship. For several months they live in cramped and filthy quarters with little food or fresh water. The immigrants become sick with the flu and high fevers. women are often abused by their guards. and many contemplate suicide. If they are fortunate to arrive in the United States alive. the smugglers continue to closely watch their cargo and demand exorbitant fees for their transport. This type of inhumane slave trade must be stopped and those responsible must be brought to justice.