America serves as a shelter for those faced with persecution or torture in their own countries. Across the country. we have heard their stories. whether Jews and Baptists fleeing religious persecution in the former Soviet Union or Iraqis and Cubans escaping tyrannical dictatorships. Our policy toward refugees and asylees embodies the best of our countrycompassion. opportunity. and freedom. Our legislation will bring the SSI program in line with our other policies towards these humanitarian immigrants. This legislation extends the amount of time that refugees and asylees have to become citizens to nine years. In addition. the bill contains a "reach back" provision: It retroactively restores benefits to those individuals who have already lost them for an additional two years. This provision helps the individuals who need it most. humanitarian immigrants who are trapped in the system and have lost this important income source. I believe we must act now to protect these individualswe cannot let another year go by without action. Our country has long been a symbol of freedom. equality and opportunity. Our laws should reflect that. Every day that goes by could result in the loss of a refugees support systemI urge my colleagues to support this legislation and restore the principles we were put here to protect. By Ms. SNOWE (for herself.
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immigrants refugees