OWENS TO BUSH: LET MONTSERRAT VICTIMS STAY
WASHINGTON, DC—August 9, 2004 -- Congressman
Major Owens today expressed outrage on the decision of Tom Ridge, Secretary of
the Department of Homeland Security to remove Montserrat from Temporary
Protection Status (TPS) because he believes that the island is now safe.
"This is a heartless action and a blatant
disregard for human life. There is a real anti-immigrant sentiment that governs
the Bush administration when it comes to particular areas of the world and the
Montserrat case is just one example," Owens stated.
To protect the estimated 292 Montserratians in the
United States who have been victims of volcanic eruption, Owens is calling on
his colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to join him in an appeal to
President Bush to take humanitarian action.
“I cannot believe America does not have a heart
big enough to accommodate 292 people,” Owens said.
Owens’ bill (H.R. 603) introduced in the 108th
Congress calls for the adjustment of immigration status for certain aliens
granted temporary protected status in the United States because of conditions in
Montserrat. Thus far, there are 44 co-sponsors and Owens is seeking more
co-sponsors to his bill.
For images of the eruption please go to:
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Volcano/Montserrat/
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