Resettlement re-cap: a periodic report from the Cuban Refugee Center, April 1964

              SPONSOR CUBAN REFUGEES
Fulfill Their Faith in Freedom
RESETTLEMENT RE-CAP
FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE
APRIL 1964
A  PERIODIC REPORT FROM THE CUBAN REFUGEE CENTER — FREEDOM TOWER, MIAMI 32, FLORIDA
U.   S.   DEPARTMENT  OF   HEALTH,   EDUCATION,   AND WELFARE      —       WELFARE ADMINISTRATION
U. S. CUBAN  REFUGEE PROGRAM
J. ARTHUR LAZELL, Director, Refugee Center
JOHN FREDERICK THOMAS, Director, Washington, D. C.
ERROL T. BALLANFONTE, Chief, Center Operations HARRY B. LYFORD, Editor
SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE STRONGLY BACKS RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM *
By Senator Philip A. Hart
Chairman, Subcommittee To Investigate Problems
Connected With Refugees And Escapees
"...There is no magic formula to solve refugee problems.  The Cuban problem in this country is no exception.  Perhaps it will be finally solved only by the return of Cubans to their
homeland following the establishment of a democratic government on that beleaguered island.
For it is probably true that most Cubans want to return to their homeland — a desire, an
expectation, we must encourage.
"Meanwhile, however, every attempt must be made to provide these guests of America with
effective asylum, with the opportunity to live reasonably normal and productive lives, until
conditions permit a return to their homeland, or for those who wish it, to elect American
citizenship.  The resettlement program is providing the best vehicle to effect this opportunity. . .As is true of refugee assistance elsewhere, it is the voluntary agencies, and their
dedicated representatives on the scene, who are essential links between the program of the
government and the humans in need...The subcommittee has strongly backed the resettlement
program from the very beginning, and continues to favor it for several reasons:
"First, providing effective asylum for those fleeing tyranny is in the best of our traditions as a nation, and a key tenet of our democratic credo.
"Secondly, our humane treatment of refugees, particularly those who come to our shores,
contributes mightily to our reputation abroad, and highlights our moral leadership in international relations.  It is part of the effort for the security of freedom.
"Third, active concern in providing Cuban exiles with effective asylum pinpoints a little
of what is lacking in much of the discussion about freeing Cuba -- namely, how are we pre-
(See Page 2 For Conclusion)
* Extracts from "Introduction" of "Resettlement of Cuban Refugees -- A Study of the Committee
on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate, complied by its Subcommittee To Investigate Problems Connected With Refugees And Escapees," December 6, 1963.
Appreciation From Cuba
HIS ENGLISH IS HALTING; HIS HEART IS FULL
From Cuba he writes.  His English is halting.  His heart is full.
Only a few weeks ago he made the effort.  His letter came, long delayed, through Mexico.  He thanks the United States for taking care
of the unaccompanied Cuban children whose parents sent them to this
country so they might escape communist indoctrination.  His message:
"I have doubt to write this letter in English because my knowledges are so few and my feelings are so many that I should be able
to express them better in my own language; but your kindness have
been showed so well that,no matter how poor I shall write, you will
understand how deeply you have touched our hearts...Almost two years
they have been away from us and since then we have
been grateful to God and have been thanking Him every
day for the good care He is taking of them...and He
chooses people like you to help...How much we appreciate this we hope some day -- thanks to God -- to
say it personally.  Until that day comes, please accept our gratitude."
A lonely parent?  He does not say.  In this writing he shall be nameless.