The former reeducation camp detainee subprogram of ODP is 90 percent complete. It Is not fair to those who are leftthose who have waited the longestto be told that they can either drop out of the program or leave their adult children behind. If the original policy Is not restored. these children will have to wait at a minimum 6 years before immigrating to the United States to care for their parents. I was assured by the State Department last year that in response to my concern and the concerns of others. that "INS and ODP (would) remain alert to individual cases in which there are significant humanitarian reasons for allowing an agedout son or daughter to accompany the principal applicant." Although this assurance was made with some qualifiers. I accepted it. I am informed now. however. that exceptions have not. In fact. been made. It is very Important to many former detainees that their adult children be permitted to emigrate with them. often because of their advanced age or deteriorating health. Additionally. many of their children have made life decisions. such as refraining from marriage. based on the requirements of a program which has now changed its eligibility standards. I would like to close by commending the committee for addressing this issue In their report.
Keywords matched
immigrating emigrate