[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        MASS MIGRATION FROM CUBA

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, in 1980 Fidel Castro opened Cuba's borders and 
125,000 Cuban refugees flooded the shores of south Florida. Many 
outstanding Cubans escaped Castro's brutal regime, but the boats at 
Mariel were also filled with convicts and the mentally ill. As a result 
of Castro's despicable behavior, much damage was done to south 
Florida's people and the good name of the Cuban people.
  Now the dictator has again threatened a mass migration of his long-
suffering people. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week 19 Members of the 
Florida delegation sent a letter to President Clinton asking him to 
bring Navy and Coast Guard assets into play to forestall this impending 
crisis. Last night Attorney General Janet Reno announced that the 
United States would use Navy and Coast Guard vessels to keep the 
situation under control. I urge the President to put those assets in 
place now.
  The first lesson from Mariel is that swift American action is needed 
to prevent another mass migration from Cuba. Everyone in south Florida 
is well aware of the consequences of Federal inaction and lack of 
resolve. Let us hope that this time our President acts first to protect 
our borders and our laws.

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