Guarantee Equal Treatment for All Refugees From Ukraine

Floor Speech

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Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, the nation of Ukraine is dealing with an alarming crisis, a war. I have been overwhelmed by the number of images and stories of families trying to escape the terrors and war crimes being unjustly committed against the people of this country. Since February 24, more than 870,000--now we understand more than 1 million-- Ukrainians have fled the country.

However, within that exodus are disturbing reports of mistreatment of Black families, Africans, and Asians as they try to evacuate a deadly war zone. This is unacceptable.

My office has been working with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus--Chairman Greg Meeks of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Barbara Lee of the Appropriations Committee--to determine the veracity, the specifics, and the extent of the allegations.

While we stand with Ukraine and encourage America's commitment to the Ukrainian Government, any engagement of the United States and American dollars appropriated to humanitarian efforts or lethal weapons must guarantee that all refugees, all fleeing, are treated equally. We will not move from that position.

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