[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF INDONESIAN FAMILY REFUGEE PROTECTION ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2017

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am 
reintroducing legislation with my colleague, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., 
which would simply allow Christian Indonesian citizens who arrived in 
the United States between January 1, 1997 and November 30, 2002 fleeing 
religious persecution, the opportunity to reopen their claims for 
asylum within two years of the bill's enactment. The bill would only 
apply to individuals who were denied asylum solely for missing filing 
deadline which closes one year after arrival.
  Beginning in 1997, when extreme violence and destruction of churches 
in Indonesia was at its height, many Indonesian Christians were driven 
from their homes. These individuals came to the United States, seeking 
refuge from persecution for their religious beliefs, but were either 
unable to file before the one-year deadline or were unaware any 
deadline existed. They deserve the opportunity to have their claims 
heard.
  The United States has a long history of taking in refugees fleeing 
persecution and providing a process to fairly consider their claims. 
This bill does not automatically grant asylum, but merely removes a 
procedural barrier to their claims being considered. These individuals 
seeking asylum deserve a second chance to avoid the persecution they 
have fled and remain united with their families.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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