Bush signs bill to extend asylum to Iraqis rescuing POWs

ap ^ | Oct 30, 2002

[Ranger]

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush (news - web sites) has signed into law a bill promising refugee status to any Iraqi who delivers to the United States a living American prisoner of war from the Persian Gulf War (news - web sites) or any future conflict with the Iraqi government.

The measure, easily approved by Congress earlier this month, expands a law enacted in 2000 that gives asylum to citizens of Southeast Asian nations, China, Russia or North Korea (news - web sites) who bring back Americans held prisoner from the Korean or Vietnam wars. The White House said Wednesday that Bush had signed it.

Bush has vowed to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), with force if necessary, and is seeking United Nations (news - web sites) backing for his plans. Congress has already given him authority to wage war.

The Navy recently declared that Gulf War pilot Michael Scott Speicher, whose F/A-18 fighter plane was shot down the opening night of the 1991 war, was captured by Iraq, saying there's no evidence the officer is dead.

Iraq claimed that Speicher was killed, but never turned over his remains. Several lawmakers have suggested there is new classified information indicating Speicher is alive in Iraq.

The legislation also applies to nationals of other Middle East countries who rescue an American POW, but does not extend to those deemed to be criminals, terrorists or threats to U.S. security.

 

[ffrancone]

IT'S 6 DAYS 'TIL THE ELECTION

GOOD INTENTIONS DON'T WIN ELECTIONS.

YOU CAN HELP, TODAY. GO TO:

TakeBackCongress.org

A resource for conservatives who want a Republican majority in the Senate

[Ranger]

This is worrisome. Why would a bill like this even be needed? If we left that navy pilot there all these years, then shame on us. The lengths we would be prepared to go to get him or others back should be far higher than this goofy bill offers.