News-Info-Alerts

Re: Save a POW, Get Asylum

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: October 17, 2002

"Asylum offered to Iraqis who save POWs
ASSOCIATED PRESS


WASHINGTON - Congress is promising refugee status to any Iraqi who delivers to the United States a living American prisoner of war from the Persian Gulf War or any future conflict with the Iraqi government.

The measure, approved by the House on Tuesday and sent to the president for his signature, expands a law enacted in 2000 that gives asylum to citizens of Southeast Asian nations, China, Russia or North Korea who bring back Americans held prisoner from the Korean or Vietnam War.

Last Friday the Navy 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, passed by voice vote, 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.

The Senate approved the bill, sponsored by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., last July.

Information on the bill, S. 1339, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/"