[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           WORLD REFUGEE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the courage, 
spirit and resiliency of refugees around the world and the compassion, 
generosity and valor of those who have helped them rebuild their lives. 
The amazing stories of these people are an inspiration to us all.
  The lives of refugees are driven by fear of persecution based on 
race, religion or nationality; or even by membership in a particular 
social group or political opinion. The United States government plays a 
unique role in protecting the human rights of current refugees, 
resolving the conflicts and problems that produce refugees and 
preventing further refugee crises. Our government must remain a world 
leader in protecting the human rights of all refugees.
  According to statistics from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and 
Immigrants, as of December 31, 2004 there are approximately 11.5 
million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. The United States has 
the capacity and the potential to receive many more refugees: in fiscal 
year 2004, the refugee ceiling was set at 70,000, while admissions into 
the United States totaled only 52,875.
  I challenge the United States government to ensure a fair process for 
determining refugee status and to provide physical protection for those 
seeking asylum. Moreover, the United States should not unnecessarily 
detain refugee seekers in an attempt to deter them or others from 
seeking asylum in the United States; such a process is fundamentally 
contrary to the hope of freedom and democracy that our country 
represents.
  I applaud the United States government for granting refugees basic 
human rights such as access to work, the means to earn a livelihood and 
the freedom of movement.
  As a representative from California, a State with one of the highest 
number of refugee arrivals each year, I know there is much yet to be 
done to protect the rights of refugees.
  Mr. Speaker, honoring the courage of refugees requires more than mere 
praise; we need concrete actions and durable solutions. In their battle 
against despair, let us be an ally to refugees; let us provide a 
glimmer of hope; let us be the beacon that America has always 
symbolized.

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