Vietnamese citizens can be sent to reeducation camps at any time. where they face inadequate medical care. nutrition and severe punishments for minor infractions. While Vietnam is moving toward economic liberalization and normalization of relations with the United Statesand I supported the steps the Senate took last week to encourage normalization with Vietnamit is unfortunately true that many groups continue to face persecution at the hands of their government. It is important to remember that extending the Lautenberg amendment will not increase the number of refugees allowed from the countries included in the law. Refugee admissions are set each year by the administration in consultation with Congress. The credible basis standard is not irrefutable. and it is still up to the INS interviewer to make the decision of whether or not to grant refugee status to these individuals. I. urge my colleagues to support the extension of the Lautenberg Amendment for an additional 2 years. The groups that are protected under this legislation continue to face persecution despite changes in world affairs. The Lautenberg amendment has proven successful. Under the Lautenberg provision. processing time is shortened and refugees are judged by a more consistent standard. Therefore. we must continue in our commitment to these refugees by extending the Lautenberg amendment for another 2 years while the liberalizations in the former Soviet Union and Vietnam are assessed.
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refugees Refugee refugee