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In opening statement, Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) in Senate Judiciary Hearing positions refugee policy in the larger context of the U.S. response to China's aggression in Hong Kong, calling resettlement for Hong Kongers "deploying another tool in our toolbox" to stand with HK.
Senator Rubio (R-FL) argues his bill with Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) to assist Hong Kongers helps U.S. national security interests by 1) combating Chinese authoritarianism and 2) standing with persecuted HKers in front of the world.
Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) argues that resettling Hong Kong refugees is a small step for the U.S. to take but a powerful message to Hong Kongers, the Chinese Communist Party, and the international community.
Samuel Chu explains "historically, the US has used special refugee status as a soft-power tool. From Southeast
Asia after the Vietnam war or from Iraq and Afghanistan...to Soviet Jews and Cubans as a way to undermine socialist regimes without war."
Asia after the Vietnam war or from Iraq and Afghanistan...to Soviet Jews and Cubans as a way to undermine socialist regimes without war."
Chu's testimony is compelling, insightful, and moving. Read it in full here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Chu%20Testimony.pdf
@JennyYangWR argues the U.S. ability "to offer protection through a strong and flexible U.S. refugee admissions program is a direct indicator of our commitment to human rights and will have an impact on our
ability to promote democracy abroad." https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Yang%20Testimony1.pdf
ability to promote democracy abroad." https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Yang%20Testimony1.pdf
Professor Ku ( @julianku) notes the importance of the U.S. in global humanitarian affairs, arguing that without U.S. leadership that other countries can avoid action on HK. See more on this topic in this paper from @IdeanSalehyan: https://www.niskanencenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Salehyan-Niskanen-Center_September-2019.pdf
Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) asks how would resettling Hong Kongers help the U.S. economically? @JeremyLNeufeld wrote in July that HKers "would bring high educational attainment, widespread English proficiency, an entrepreneurial spirit, & capital." Link: https://www.niskanencenter.org/let-hongkongers-resettle-here/
Senator Hawley (R-MO) asks why U.S. action is needed & necessary. Mr. Chu answers (paraphrasing) that in addition to tangible humanitarian needs, refugee protection is a key part of the larger, overall global strategy to address Chinese oppression.
Mr. Chu makes the point that the U.S. offering safe harbor to Hong Kong refugees would give these political dissidents the freedom to openly criticize the Chinese government without fear and undermine CCP propaganda.
That concludes the hearing. Round of applause to @samuelmchu, @jooeysiiu, @julianku, @JennyYangWR, & @nathanlawkc for their inspirational, informative, and clarifying testimony. You can view written statements here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/supporting-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-movement-through-us-refugee-policy
