Statement of Arthur C. Helton, September 30, 1982

Helton, representing the Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights, criticizes the proposed Immigration Emergency Act and argues that its provisions for interdiction and detention of arriving asylum seekers violate domestic and international law. He highlights that these measures would deter asylum seekers from pursuing their claims and subject them to prolonged imprisonment under harsh conditions. He suggests using international cooperation to handle mass refugee influxes while upholding humanitarian principles.