US asked to provide 'safe exit' to the 'politically persecuted'

The United States should take measures to help provide a safe exit to politically persecuted protesters in Hong Kong, exiled activist Nathan Law Kwun-chung has told a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

The hearings were held on Wednesday on 'Supporting Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Movement Through U.S. Refugee Policy. It was hosted by the Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration.

Panel one included Florida Senator Marco Rubio, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, while panel two included Professor Julian G. Ku, Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at Hofstra University School of Law in New York.

Jenny Yang, the senior vice president for Advocacy and policy, World Relief, in Baltimore, Maryland; Joey Siu, associate, Hong Kong Watch; Samuel M. Chu, managing director, Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) inWashington, DC, also testified.

Law told the panel, in an online testimony from Britain: “The deterioration in Hong Kong has pushed more political figures and young professionals to leave the city. Therefore, it is much needed for the democratic communities to provide safe exit to these politically persecuted protesters in Hong Kong.

“The UK and Canada have adopted measures that allow millions of people a path to citizenship. This is a signal showing how severe the situation in Hong Kong is.

“The US should take reference from their experience and implement measures to help the people in Hong Kong. Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act is an answer to provide these provisions and necessary channels.''

He said that while the situation looks grim for Hong Kong, “the Beijing authority made it worse by circumventing all of our consultation and legislative processes to impose the notorious National Security Law, which was, to us a de facto final nail in the coffin of the “one country, two systems” framework.

“With the draconian National Security Law, Beijing has the arbitrary power to detain, arrest and prosecute any political activists or dissidents that they don’t like. The sole purpose of the law is to quash our freedom of expression, any desires for political change, and the right to protest. It has created widespread psychological terror and fear across the city. ''

Constitutional law profesor, Julian Ku told the hearing, he support alls of the laws enacted by the Congress to protect Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms and he also supports all of the actions taken by the Trump administration to execute the laws. “But while those actions are worth doing, we have to admit that neither this Congress’ laws nor the Trump Administration’s actions have succeeded in reversing any of the repressive policies in Hong Kong.''

He said the U.S. will not be the only country to serve as a refuge for Hongkongers fleeing political repression, but the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act can provide the leadership and confidence for other countries to do the same.

“I believe it would make a huge difference around the world if this Congress shows that the U.S. is willing to give refuge to Hongkongers who defied Chinese repression. It will show that the U.S. is willing to suffer Chinese government blowback and retaliation for daring to protect Hongkongers who stood up for their city’s autonomy and freedoms. It is always better to face Chinese government displeasure with allies, but sometimes the U.S. has to be willing to act first to show the way for others also facing Chinese government pressure and bullying.''

American citizen Samuel Chu told the panel, that Hongkongers facing the threat of persecution need multiple pathways to safety and that is why legislation like the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act and the Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act that recently passed the House are critical and urgent.

“Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act not only designates special refugee status - it also provides additional protection for Hong Kongers to travel to the United States and it exempts those fleeing Hong Kong specifically from the refugee cap. By passing these bills, Congress would show that America is prepared to open its doors not just to brave activists and peaceful protestors but also those who share our values.''