1.
HONG KONG
Apart from the U.S. Consulate General's role in the AIT's consular operations, we focused our attention on the current refugee situation and the impact of the possible reversion of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
REFUGEE SITUATION
In addition to the transfer of refugee management responsibility to the consular section, we were informed that Hong Kong currently has a refugee camp population of 13,000 of whom 9,000 to 10,000 have been there at least 22 years and 3,000 since July 1982.
Inasmuch as Great Britain is no longer accepting any refugees and the United States and other countries are phasing down their resettle- ment programs, the Hong Kong Government is increasingly worried about its residual refugee population. Despite pressure from the Hong Kong Government, the United States is thus far refusing to accept cases which do not qualify for its program.
In order to cope with this new situation, the Hong Kong authorities have instituted a closed camp policy, which is a form of humane deter- rence in that the refugees are not permitted to work outside the camps as before. The INS, however, is interviewing recent arrivals in these camps, although the refusal rate is high.
1997 REVERSION
Hong Kong's refugee/immigration problem could be compounded by the recently aroused uncertainty over Hong Kong's status after 1997. Should the new territories revert to the PRC, there is specula- tion that the bulk of the 5.2 million population may flee. Already, the Consulate General is receiving 80 to 100 inquiries a day regarding pur- chasing of property in and immigrating to the United States. On the positive side, in the judgment of the U.S. consul general, Great Brit- ain and the PRC will soon reach a mutually satisfactory accommoda- tion which will not destroy Hong Kong's economy and cause massive emigration.
In view of the immigration implications of these issues for the United States, it is recommended that the committee consider hold- ing hearings and/or conduct an indepth study during the next session. (11)
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