So the chairman is right. We would like to think we know a little bit about it. The 1996 welfare reforms eliminated benefits from 800.000 to 950.000 to illegal immigrants. I know that. This bill extends the benefits back to children. elderly. and the disabled who were in the country before August 22 of 1996. It also extends benefits to refugees and asylees who may have entered after the August 22 date. Benefits will be returned to approximately 250.000 peoplenot 900.000. but 250.000 people. The trend line is down in regard to refugees. I point out that a refugee is defined as "a person who is fleeing because of persecution or a wellfounded fear of persecution on account of race. religion. nationality. membership in a particular social group. or political opinion. and who is of special humanitarian concern to the United States." With all due respect. I dont think that is a beacon. I think they are fleeing. and I think it is certainly within the boundaries of the United States and what the Statue of Liberty is all about that we consider that.
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refugees illegal immigrants refugee