While we may have no power to dictate Chinese policy. we can acknowledge the fear which moves them to escape such oppressive policies by helping them enter the United States. This amendment would grant asylum to those Chinese who come to the United States because they fear persecution by China for refusing to abort a pregnancy or undergo sterilization. It gives this group of refugees equivalent status as those fleeing for political dissent. Madam President. in 1989. Members may recall an amendment dealing with this same subject we voted on in this body which passed 95 to 0. The language of the Helms amendment is identical to that language. Although the 1989 vote followed closely after the Chinese massacre of students at Tiananmen Square. we should be no less willing today to take action to assist people on whom an enormous injustice is being perpetrated. Until a year ago it was a matter of Justice Department Policy to grant favorable immigration status to Chinese coming to the United States under these circumstances. However. President Clinton chose to reverse this decision. and rescinded a directive issued by Attorney General William Barr shortly before he left office which laid out the implementing regulations.
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refugees immigration