FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      AG
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1997                                 (202) 616-2765
                                                       TDD (202) 514-1888

Statement by Attorney General Janet Reno on President Clinton's Order to Extend Deferred Enforced Departure to Certain Haitians

"The President has directed me to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to certain Haitian nationals who were paroled into the United States or applied for asylum prior to December 31, 1995. I have asked Commissioner Meissner to implement this order as quickly as possible.

"I fully support the President's goal of ensuring that Haitians receive the same relief we sought for Central Americans. I look forward to working with the President and his staff on this important interim measure while we seek a long-term legislative solution."

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