Speech #1100179882

It is a staggering humanitarian crisis. As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Congress adopted the Iraqi Refugee Crisis Act. which I sponsored along with a number of my colleagues. This legislation creates a process for Iraqis who have offered assistance to our forces in Iraq to apply directly to the United States for refugee status. It is clear that the United States has a special obligation to help this population. The largest community of Iraqi Christians in the world outside of Iraq is in Michigan. which makes this issue particularly significant for me and my constituents. The stark reality is that Iraq is just one small part of the tragic refugee situation around the world. Thon Chol. who was one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan." is currently serving as an intern in my Washington. DC. office. He recently graduated with a masters degree in social work from Western Michigan University. His success is hard earned. but his story underscores the point that refugees deserve our attention as well as our aid and protection. Thon was forced to flee his hometown at age 6. While attempting to reach Ethiopia he was one of thousands who faced dehydration. famine. and attacks from wild animals and Government soldiers alike. He lost most of his family. witnessing many deaths himself. He reached a refugee camp in 1987. was forced back to Sudan due to the civil war in Ethiopia in 1991. and then eventually traveled to live in a refugee camp in Kenya for 8 years before being one of less than 4.000 Lost Boys permitted to settle in the United States and moving to Grand Rapids. MI. Many are now American citizens. Thons remarkable educational achievements are in line with others who were in his situation. many have sought degrees beyond high school. ranging from community college to one student who is pursuing a masters degree at Yale University. Thon and others have committed themselves to returning to Sudan to teach democratic values and religious freedom. There are many challenges even for those very few refugees who have been granted asylum or citizenship in welcoming countries. including cultural adjustments. difficulties in uniting separated families. obtaining work skills. and adapting to an unfamiliar climate. In Michigan. numerous volunteers. community organizations. churches. and businesses have come together to assist refugees who come to our state. On this World Refugee Day. I offer my praise and appreciation for the organizations and individualsboth those local to Michigan and those international in scopewho are committed to helping refugees find some stability and normalcy. and I urge my colleagues to consider what we can do to help the millions who are suffering right now. Individuals who wish to help can begin by visiting the U.N. Refugee Agency website at http://www.unher. org.