[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RELIEF FOR JOZEF RICHARD MADAR, ETELA MADAR, AND JOZEF THOMAS MADAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about legislation I 
have introduced that would provide permanent residency to a young 
family from the former Czechoslovakia: Jozef Richard Madar, Etela 
Madar, and their son, Jozef Thomas Madar.
  Several years prior to Slovakia's independence from the Czech 
Republic, the Madars sought refuge from religious persecution in the 
United States. Since arriving in our country over 6 years ago, Jozef 
and Etela have followed the rules and have conducted their lives in a 
most exemplary manner. Both Jozef and Etela have been gainfully 
employed the entire time they have been in the United States. In 
addition, neither Jozef or Etela has a criminal record and they have 
not accepted any public assistance or welfare. The Madar family, which 
has grown to include another son, Kevin, has been active in and 
embraced by both their community and church. In short, the Madar family 
is an embodiment of the strengths that built our great immigrant 
country.
  Religious liberty, the freedom to proclaim a religious identity and 
practice it without fear, should be an inalienable right for people 
everywhere. In the former Czechoslovakia, Communist rule had a 
detrimental effect on all aspects of the Madar's life. Acts of 
harassment and persecution resulting from their Catholic faith and 
anticommunist views led the Madars to our country. Discrimination not 
only affected the Madar's ability to practice their faith, but also 
their employment opportunities. While Slovakia has made some progress 
in the area of human rights, the Madars believe that this change has 
not been sufficient enough to ensure the level of safety and freedom 
that they have found in the United States. My legislation would allow 
the Madar family permanent residency which in turn would allow them to 
continue to contribute to the quality of life in western Pennsylvania 
and their community.
  I am honored that I have the privilege to represent people of such 
fortitude and look forward to working with my colleagues to help the 
Madars in their quest to call the United States their lifelong home.

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