Speech #1050207496

They are following in the tradition of fighters for freedom and justice worldwide. Our nation has. since its foundation. served as a refuge of those seeking justice and safety. The evolution of our countrys current refugee policy is in many ways to ensure that we avoid situations. such as the one that developed. close to my home state. in the time leading up to World War II. The vessel St. Louis moored within sight of the city of Miami for several days. filled with passengers of the Jewish faith. fleeing the violence in Europe. Our country refused them safety. The passengers returned to Europe. many of them to their certain death. Since then. beginning with specific refugee legislation in the decades after the war and developing into the Refugee Act of 1980. the United States of America has offered freedom and sanctuary to those fleeing persecution. brutality. and human rights abuses. The bipartisan effort that led to the passage of the Haitian Immigration Fairness Act ensures that we maintain this valued tradition in the United States. We will treat Haitian national refugees in the same manner as we have treated similarly situated individuals over the last decades. In relation to one aspect of the legislation. I wanted to clarify the intent of the section dealing with stays of deportation. The intent of this legislation is that the INS would not seek to remove a qualified spouse or the child of a qualified alien who has applied for relief under this legislation. and received a stay of deportation or removal. Again. many of my colleagues in the Senate and the House deserve thanks for their tremendous support on this effort. It will make a difference in the lives of many individuals who are a part of our vibrant South Florida community. They will no longer be in immigration limbo. and can continue to build their part of the American dream.9