Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support of H. Res. 1350 which recognizes June 20, 2010 as World Refugee Day. I want to thank Congresswoman Watson for her acknowledgement of this important day by introducing this resolution to Congress. The U.N. Refugee Agency defines a refugee as a person who has fled their country of nationality and who is unable or unwilling to return to that country because of a ``well-founded'' fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Hostilities across the world make refugees truly a global concern. Whether the refugees are fleeing government oppression in Sudan or Iran, or fleeing intra-communal fighting, there needs to be more attention given to these displaced and struggling individuals. I believe that this resolution is an outstanding way to recognize the severity of refugees' varying situations by celebrating World Refugee Day. In fact, the reinstitution of many refugees from abroad has happened within the 4th District of Georgia. In 2000, Clarkston, Georgia had the highest percentage of people from Somalia in the United States who sought refuge here from this hostile region. Additionally, I am very proud that numerous national, and international organizations servicing refugees call the 4th District of Georgia and metropolitan Atlanta home.…”