Second. I note that in the last 2 years. 40.000 Haitians have fled Haiti. many of whom have sought refuge in this country. Obviously. we cannot absorb every refugee who seeks to come to the United States. I do not think it is an exaggeration at all. Mr. President. to suggest that if this amendment is adopted. if the force that today control Haiti remain in power. I think there is a very strong likelihood that we will once again revisit the kind of human floodtide that washed toward our country in the previous 2 years. I note that during the 7 months of President Aristides tenure. the departure of refugees from Haiti virtually stopped. In fact. emigration from this country to Haiti began to increasepeople going back to their country that they had left--because they thought there was a future for them once again. So. again. when the authors of this amendment say the United States has no interest. tell that to the people in this country who are already finding it hard enough to find jobs or keep jobs. when we find ourselves once again being inundated with refugees seeking political asylum. I would argue that we would see that happen once again. were this amendment to be adopted. The message to General Cedras and Police Chief Francois. if they were to receive this evening the good news that the Helms amendment has been adopted: Relax. stay where you are.
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refugees emigration refugee