INS Sets Up Hot Line for Chinese in U.S.
Saying they wanted Chinese students in this country “to know that we support the democracy these young people are protesting for,” federal immigration officials in Los Angeles announced Tuesday that a toll-free hot line will begin operating today to aid Chinese nationals who want to remain in the United States.
“We suggest that they come forward to us if they have any questions or want to change their status,” said Harold Ezell, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service’s western regional commissioner. “But if they don’t, they will not be sent home.”
Operators fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese will man the hot line, which can be reached by dialing (800) 448-4994. Ezell estimated that 30,000 of the 80,000 Chinese who are in the country on a temporary immigration status live in the Los Angeles area.
Guidelines recently issued by U.S. Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh allow Chinese students or visitors who entered the country before June 6 to remain until June 5, 1990. Those who wish to apply for permanent residency can seek political asylum, said INS Los Angeles District Director Ernest Gustafson.
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