Speech #1040204702

Mr. President. I would like to express my strong support for the LeahyDeWine amendment. which preserves critical due process rights for refugees arriving in the United States after fleeing persecution in their countries of origin. While the United States must control its borders and ensure that its hospitality is never abused. it must also live up to its finest traditions as a land of freedom and refuge for the oppressed. Our country is built on the rule of law. and must preserve and protect that legacy for all. This amendment would ensure that those fleeing oppression have a fair opportunity to present their cases and have them studied and reviewed by appropriate officials. Many genuine refugees are forced to come to the United States with false documents and then apply for asylum. In fact. an argument could be made that the more dangerous their situation. the more urgent it is that they come to apply for asylum. and the more likely that they will not have access to government travel documents from the government which is persecuting them. It is just these most needy people who will suffer most directly from the summary exclusion measures which this amendment seeks to modify.