Episcopal Press and News

Presiding Bishop Leads Call for Refugee Law

Episcopal News Service. July 12, 1977 [77240]

New York, N. Y. -- Presiding Bishop John M. Allin has called on Episcopalians throughout the United States to join in a letter-writing campaign to extend the life of the federal legislation that has been a key factor in the success of the Indo-Chinese refugee settlement work.

In a letter to all parishes and diocesan bishops of the Church, Bishop Allin noted that the legislation in question -- The Indo-Chinese Migration and Refugee Assistance Act -- had helped voluntary agencies cope with a sudden influx of nearly 150,000 Indo-Chinese refugees since 1975. He praised the support that Episcopalians had given the resettlement work through their contributions to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief and noted that 87 percent of the refugees were now part of the American labor force.

However, the measure is about to expire and the legislation to extend it has run afoul of congressional rules and needs the consent of both houses before it can be debated and enacted.

In his letter, Bishop Allin explained that the bills would extend the law for three years while providing for reduced funding each year. He added that the proposal had the approval of both the President and of the Department of Health Education and Welfare and urged quick action by Church people to see that the bills are brought to a vote.