Several immigration measures passed by the adjourned 106^th US Congress, were signed into law by President Clinton on December 21, 2000. Several immigration provisions were included in the Budget Appropriations Bill (the Commerce, State, Justice Bill) and the Omnibus Bill, including restoration of Section 245(i), which allows eligible people to apply for green cards from within the U.S., rather than leaving the country and possibly being barred from re-entering for up to 10 years.

The amnesty or "targeted legalization" provision, which would have applied to immigrants from Romania who arrived in the US before 1986, was not passed. Those undocumented, or illegal, immigrants who wish to adjust their immigration status to legal permanent resident, are best advised to take advantage of section 245(i), which has now been extended through April, 2001.

To be eligible to use Section 245(i), people need to:

• Have filed an immigrant petition with the INS (based on family sponsorship) or labor certification with the Department of Labor (employer sponsorship) by April 30, 2001.
  
  
• Show they were physically present in the United States on the day the bill was signed by the President (December 21, 2000).
  

People eligible to apply for green cards under Section 245(i) can do so without leaving the country and being separated from their families, communities and employers. However, Section 245(i) does not grant permission to work nor provide protection from deportation.

To take advantage of this new opportunity to use Section 245(i), people must be able to prove that they were physically present in the U.S. the day the bill was signed, which was December 21, 2000. We strongly advise people who want to take advantage of Section 245(i) not to travel outside the United States borders.

Since each case is different, we suggest you contact your regional INS (Immigration) office. To find out whether you are eligible to take advantage of 245(i), or if your case is complicated, you may wish to contact an immigration lawyer for legal advice. The amnesty and other immigration reform bills, supported by the Congress of Romanian Americans, will be reintroduced in the 107th US Congress in the year 2001.

VOA: Which American administration would be the most helpful to Romania?

In my opinion, it does not matter which party (the Democrats or the Republicans), wins the Presidency. My concern is that it will take too long for any new administration to develop an effective strategy and earn the respect of our NATO allies that will result in their approval for further enlargement in 2002.

Many fear the countries in the west, including the US, are drifting toward isolationism. If isolationism prevails and/or if NATO is not further enlarged in 2002, Romania will be hurt. Therefore, it is imperative for those Americans who have an interest in Central and Eastern Europe to mobilize in an effort to put those countries high on the priority list of the new administration. There are approximately 22 million people in the US with ethnic ties to that region who can impact in achieving this goal.

We must focus on the new President and his Administration for leadership on the issues of Central and East Europe since our Congress has too few members who feel strongly on these issues. If the region as a whole receives attention, Romania will certainly benefit as it is the second largest country (after Poland) and is strategically placed.

Regardless of which individuals constitute the new government in Romania, Romanians must conduct themselves in a more responsible and effective manner. Pressure from the constituency on a sustained basis must be felt by the country's leaders. Failure in making immediate and recognizable progress under the new government can, and will be used as an excuse by some in the West and in the US to become Romanian detractors on issues concerning NATO, the EU and foreign assistance, not to mention foreign investment.

Romania's people should begin now to gather the 250,000 signatures required to put the method of electing parliamentarians on the ballot. They need to do this before the election that follows the November election. This action will get the attention of the Romanian leaders.

The people of Romania have, individually and collectively, a powerful tool in their right to vote. It is not only their right, it is a responsibility to themselves, to one another and to their country.

The economic situation in Romania today is causing great suffering. Responsibility for this unfortunate situation falls not on the shoulders of the individual Romanian, but is a legacy imposed upon them as a result of years of oppressive Communism.

Romanians today may blame all or some of their leaders over the last 10 years; they may blame the way their government is elected; they may blame corruption or the circumstances of countries around them however, assigning blame will not improve their situation. One course of action however will move the country ahead. The people can exercise the right to vote and use the opportunity to have an impact on their future and the future of Romania. In failing to vote, the blame for future miseries will fall squarely on the shoulders of those who don't vote.

Young people of Romania, we here in the United States of Romanian origin and your own people know that you are the future of the country. According to information received in the United States about Sunday's election, we understand that approximately 25% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 voted. Those of you who voted, and those of you who did not, have another opportunity on the 10th of December to impact on your own future. Please get out and vote!

On October 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th the Congress Of Romanian Americans held its annual meeting at the Best Western Hotel in Falls Church, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC.

The activities opened with a meeting at the White House with staff members from the National Security Council (NSC), the Department of State and the Agency for International Development. The "off the record" meeting covered the future for Yugoslavia's neighbors, including Romania, and was opened by Greg Schulte, Special Assistant to the President and Sr. Director for Southeast European Affairs (NS). US/Romania bilateral relationships were discussed, including political relationships, NATO enlargement, and new AID programs also were covered.

A Thursday evening business meeting welcomed two new members to CORA: The Union and League of Romanian American Societies, represented primarily by Georgeta Washington, and the Reach To Romania, Inc. organization, represented by Diane Şerban. Other business included the selection of the CORA Board of Directors and officers. The CORA Board will convene again in Detroit, MI in six months time.

Following breakfast on Friday, a panel of representatives from the US government and other organizations reported on how their organizations can facilitate conducting business in Romania. The programs of the Export-Import Bank, the Romanian Enterprise Fund, the Commerce Department, the Technical Development Agency and The Overseas Private Investment Corp. were described.

Participating on a panel discussing legal matters was Mark Meyer, a CORA Vice President, Chairman of the Romanian and Moldovan Chambers of Commerce and a partner in the law firm of Herzfeld & Rubin, headquartered in New York City with offices in Bucharest. Mr. Meyer spoke on commercial realities, the law, taxation, etc., and practical aspects of doing business in Romania. He discussed the discouragement of the international business community in Romania after the government retroactively took away previously promised incentives that brought companies to Romania.

Because the "return of properties" is of major interest to Romanian Americans, Simona Iacob, a practicing attorney in Bucharest specializing in these property issues, was invited to the CORA conference. She reviewed the newly proposed legislation and entertained questions.

The luncheon speaker, Paul Goble, scholar, author, and nationally prominent speaker on the former Soviet Bloc, said that Romania faces new challenges from both the East and the West. Russia will do everything to keep Romania and others from integrating into the EU and NATO. The West's becoming more isolationist will adversely affect Romania...

Two panelists, an economist from Plan-Econ, Inc., and a political analyst from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), both very familiar with Romania, spoke in depth about the country. The economist remarked that there are positive signs of a turn around: exports are booming and despite a devastating flood, GDP is expected to grow 1.5% for the year. The NDI representative commented that Ion Iliescu's and PDSR's anticipated sweeping victory in the upcoming elections would likely bring increased political stability, but it is uncertain what the opposition's victory will mean for Romania's democratic and economic transition. From a long term perspective, the speaker was sanguine that Romania would be able to overcome many of its current socio-political difficulties.

Speakers from the Armenian Assembly and the Polish American Congress spoke as representatives of the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), a coalition of 19 national member organizations that meet every week in Washington, DC. The CEEC organizations represent up to 22 million Americans with Central and East European ethnic origins.

In addition to their fight for NATO enlargement and increased foreign assistance, recently the Coalition lobbied for financial support for Romania to help clear the debris in the Danube which has crippled Romanian shipping. CORA is a member of the CEEC.

The "meeting" portion concluded with a presentation by Jonathan Rickert from the Department of State. Mr. Rickert spoke of foreign assistance for Romania. He had served as a US diplomat in Romania for over 7 years. Two years ago CORA presented Mr. Rickert with an award of appreciation for his outstanding service to the US government and his part in helping the Romanian and Romanian-American communities.

Some of the people who attended the CORA conference spoke briefly about their own organizations.

Georgeta Washington, President of the Union and League of Romanian-American Societies (the newest member of CORA) spoke about the history and purposes of her organization, of the importance of continuing the positive contributions of Romanian culture and of unifying the Romanian-American community.

Habitat For Humanity reported on its work in building homes in Romania and asked for partnership relationships with Romanian-American organizations.

Following dinner on Friday night, Ambassadors Geoană (Romania) and Rosapepe (US) addressed the guests. They were positive about the future in Romania and stressed the importance of a unified Romanian-American community for itself and for the people of Romania.

Saturday brought special guided tours of the White House and the US Capitol. After the tours, those attendees, concerned about the use of US assistance to pay for abortions in Romania, met with Senator Bob Smith (R-NH), a champion in the Senate opposed to this assistance and most pro-abortion issues.

According to the remarks made by the attendees during and after the conference, "CORA 2000" was a great success. Some of the quotes follow:

The meeting was great!... I was impressed, as usual, with the high quality people who were the attendees, the excellent presentations, particularly on the economic and political situation in Romania with a projection for a positive future. David Garst - Coon Rapids, IA

Enjoyable and informative... especially good to have the opportunity to have direct exchanges with the presenters. Helen Burz - Bingham Farms, MI

I felt motivated and re-energized by the Conference. I was impressed by the sincerity and motivation of the people who attended to unite as Romanian-Americans to preserve our heritage and culture. I hope the Union and League's joining CORA will be an example to other Romanian-American organizations throughout the US to unite so we can speak in one voice. Only at that time can we help ourselves as Romanian-Americans and help those left behind in our homeland who are still suffering. Georgeta Washington - Cleveland, OH

For me and my organization, this event was phenomenal. I leave for Romania shortly and cannot wait to tell my team members in Romania about the impact CORA can make on Romania's future and the possibilities for collaborating with others who have a heart for Romania. Diane Şerban - Indianapolis, IN

I adopt all of the wonderful things I heard others say about the meeting when I was there. Linking Romanian-Americans and Romanians to the US Congress and the White House is what CORA truly undertakes. Together, with other organizations, CORA can make a difference; from taking care of Romanian orphans to reclaiming the image of Romania, and from simply informing its members to pressing for the integration of Romania in all Western structures. Gabriela Marin Thornton - Coral Gables, FL

I attended the excellent 'CORA 2000' Conference. There were a variety of quality presentations and points of view. CORA is a wonderful bridge between the different cultures of Romania and America. Peter Lucaciu, MD - Chicago, IL.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dumitru Braghiş told an RFE/RL press briefing last week that the United States is expanding its political and financial support to his country across the board.

Braghiş drew that conclusion on the basis of his conversations with U.S. officials in both the executive and legislative branches during his stay in Washington, the first such visit by a Moldovan leader in five years. He said he was particularly encouraged by Washington's agreement to form a special joint economic working group to help Moldova move toward a free market economy. American and other international assistance, he said, will help his government of technocrats to overcome Moldova's current difficulties and also to find a peaceful resolution of the separatist challenge in theTransdniestr region.

The Moldovan prime minister added that despite the drought which has affected his country severely, he expects that money from the IMF, World Bank, and U.S. Exim bank will allow the country's agricultural sector to move ahead.

He also said that his government was also moving to overcome the consequences of its energy indebtedness both by keeping its payments for new deliveries current and by seeking new energy suppliers within the context of the GUUAM accord.

At the same time, Braghiş said that his government intends to maintain good relations with Russia. But he stressed that American support would help Chişinău to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Transdniestr situation.

He noted that Moldova in April had suggested introducing UN or OSCE peacekeepers in place of the 2,500 Russian troops now there. Such an arrangement, he suggested, would help to promote a settlement while maintaining tight control over the massive munitions dumps left behind by the Soviet military.

Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu told an RFE/RL press briefing today that he is again running for president in order to offer his country a new deal combining a commitment to introduce a market economy with one intended to protect the public welfare. Iliescu, who served as Romania's president from 1990 to 1996 and who earlier had been a senior communist official, now heads the Social Democracy Party of Romania. He pledged to restore subsidies to agricultural workers and to take other steps to protect people during the transition to the market. While he argued that his party was best able to simultaneously promote economic growth and equitable income distribution, Iliescu said that there was no difference among Romania's parties on foreign policy issues. All of them, he asserted, are committed to seeing Romania join NATO and the European Union, and all seek a close strategic partnership with the United States.

Under close questioning from the audience, Iliescu denied that anti-capitalist sentiment was widespread among Romanians in general or within his party in particular. He insisted that there is no debate on whether Romania should move toward a market economy, only over how to get there.

He also denied that he and his government earlier had engaged in sanctions busting by providing economic assistance to Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic. While acknowledging that he personally had opposed NATO actions in Kosovo, he suggested that this is no way meant that Romania would not be an appropriate NATO partner.

Iliescu denied that he would support the commemoration of World War II-era Romanian dictator Antonescu. He noted that members of his own family had suffered under Antonescu's regime. But at the same time, he acknowledged that many Romanians have a different and more positive view of Antonescu. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a private, international communications service to Eastern Europe and Southeastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East funded by the US Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. More than 35 million listeners rely on RFE/RL's news, analysis and current affairs programs to provide a coherent, objective account of events in their region and the world.

In July, the US Government sponsored a 2 day conference in Romania. The Theme of this conference was The Romanian Model of Ethnic Relations. Prime Minister of Romania, Mugur Isărescu and U.S. Ambassador, James Rosapepe, made opening remarks. Representatives of all of the minority groups in Romania participated in the conference. Armand Scala, President of CORA, spoke at the conference.

Included in Mr. Scala's remarks were a litany of facts that characterize Romania's successes in its treatment of its minorities; no other country in the region has done so much for its minority groups. Of course he pointed out the complicated history of changing borders and dominance of the region (in Central and Eastern Europe), and the complexity of minority issues and feelings. He compared three different models - assimilation, differentialism and multiculturalism (in use throughout the world), and discussed how states, in response to ethnic diversity, have organized and managed their policies via these models.

Romania is comprised of 89.4% Romanians, 7.6% Hungarians, 1.8% Gypsies and some 16 other ethnic groups. Seventy percent (70%) of the population of Transylvania is Romanian. From the standpoint of ethnicity, Romania is a model of stability in the disintegrating region of Eastern Europe, both politically and legally. It is a power-sharing model, as shown by the Hungarian Democratic Union Party's participation in the governmental coalition. It holds elected positions in the parliament and in the Executive branch of government. Constitutional provisions grant "ex-officio representation" in the Romanian Parliament for every ethnic minority that does not obtain a sufficient number of votes to be otherwise represented.

The voices of minorities are heard in official Romania. The difficulties in Romania created by minority needs have had the following results:

1. Hungarian-Romanians are Ministers in the government and 10 are Secretaries of State;
2. Where a minority is represented by at least 25% in a community, bi-lingual signs must be provided and administrative functions must also be available in the minority's language;
3. Minorities have leadership positions in local governments;
4. The country's majority helps to elect minority mayors - as in Sibiu;
5. The government provides classes in, and teachers who utilize the native languages of the minorities;
6. Babeş-Bolay University in Cluj provides courses in both Romanian and Hungarian. The number of faculties using each language is nearly equal;
7. Romanian media is available in all the languages of the minorities;
8. The existence and functioning of the National Council of the Minorities;
9. The establishment of the Dept. for the Protection of National Minorities;
10. The Romanian Government provides financial support to the minorities to advance their cultures.

The Constitution of Romania not only protects minorities, but subscribes to the principle of the primacy of international law over domestic law on human rights issues. Romania is making every effort to bring its legislation into harmony with international standards of human dignity by signing and implementing international conventions on human rights. The country is a party to most international treaties and legal instruments related to human rights, as well as to a number of Council of Europe Conventions. It has signed and ratified the "European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms"(and all its additional protocols), and the "European Framework Convention" on cross border cooperation of territorial authorities and communities. Romania was the first country to sign the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities of the Council of Europe. It has signed bilateral treaties with neighboring countries - Hungary and Ukraine. These treaties were instruments of domestic policy for the protection of national minorities.

Mr. Scala continued by pointing out current areas that need improvement. Collective rights are not the only rights that must be considered. A very significant problem still exists in Romania (and all of the countries coming out of Communism). It is the problem of respect for the individual and of individual human rights. The worth of the individual has suffered under Communism. Romanians fail to treat one another with the courtesy that is common among other peoples. The institutions, especially governmental (and others), treat individuals with disdain. Police treatment of the citizenry is outside the rule of law. Law enforcers must function within the law, and their practices must be equitable. Corruption is rampant and the individual, regardless of cultural background, is the victim. In our perspective, individual rights, and respect for them, is individual autonomy.

A law against discrimination has been drafted in Romania but has not yet been voted on. Discrimination takes place in Romania, whether intended or not. Discriminatory practices aim at minorities and, in some places, at the majority as well. And what of other minorities - women, handicapped individuals, the homeless, etc.? Civil rights laws are required to guarantee every person equal opportunity to take part in the social and economic life of Romania, and to every citizen equal opportunity to participate in its political life.

Throughout, Mr. Scala mentioned Romania's accomplishments in the last ten (10) years. The ethnic minorities within this country should feel accomplished in their role in the development of this democracy. Examples of recent events from the perspective of ethnic minorities include the restitution of properties including thousands of hectares of public forest land to a Hungarian minority. Other property was granted to the German minority as "compensation" for their deportation to the former Soviet Union as a result of the communist occupation in 1944.

In the most recent local elections, coalitions of minority parties and majority parties joined forces against candidates that they regarded as "aggressive nationalists". They crossed ethnic lines in a united effort. This is significant. With regard to the Roma community, if they perceive it to be to their advantage, they will make the necessary effort to come closer to the "way of life" of the majority population. One must realize that majority rule is not the entirety of democracy. A crucial aspect of a democracy's legitimacy is consideration of the perspective of the minorities. Participation by all of society makes a democracy legitimate.

The dynamic process of ethno-cultural diversity's influence on societies will continue and will benefit those societies that are of the multiculturaism and assimililationist models. Romania, is embracing standards and experiences of the west in its desire to be part of NATO, the EU and the world as a whole. By accomplishing what she has, the minorities and the majority among her people should be applauded. She can become, herself, a model for the Balkans.

Other participants in the conference included members of the US Congress, Petre Roman, Teodor Meleşcanu and many other Romanian leaders.

Moldova is institutionalizing a parliamentary form of government for the benefit of its own citizens and as a model for the entire post-Soviet bloc, the speaker of that country's parliament told an RFE/RL press briefing today.

In taking this step, Dumitru Diacov said, Moldova hopes to avoid many of the problems associated with the strong president forms of government in many post-communist countries.

He added that the affirmation of this political arrangement in July -- when the country's president unsuccessfully sought to introduce a presidential system--will promote democracy by supporting the division of powers, encouraging the formation of political parties and promoting stability in the country.

Such developments are necessary, Speaker Diacov said, because Moldova is a small country with big problems. It faces numerous challenges connected with privatization, he said, and he used this opportunity to thank the United States for all its assistance in helping Moldova to overcome its difficulties in this area.

Moldova also faces a difficult balancing act between East and West, Diacov said. Constitutionally neutral, Moldova wants to have good relations with both its traditional partners Ukraine and Russia but also to move toward eventual integration into the European Union. He noted that if Ukraine becomes part of NATO, then Moldova would seek membership as well.

Perhaps greatest challenge facing Moldova concerns the future of Transdniestria, which has a secessionist Slavic-dominated government, a large contingent of Russian troops, and vast quantities of Soviet-era armaments. Diacov said that he was hopeful that the 1999 Istanbul OSCE summit accords would lead to a political settlement and the reintegration of Transdniestria into the rest of Moldova, as well as to the withdrawal of Russian troops and the removal of munitions now stored there.

But because the situation in Transdniestria threatens other countries as well -- arms from there have turned up in a number of regional hotspots and organized crime has used it as a base -- Diacov expressed the hope that the United States and other OSCE countries would continue and even expand their efforts to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Speaker Diacov is in Washington for consultations with U.S. officials at the National Security Council and State Department. He was accompanied on this trip by Vladimir Voronin, the leader of the Moldovan Communist Party.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a private, international communications service to Eastern Europe and Southeastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East funded by the US Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. More than 35 million listeners rely on RFE/RL's news, analysis and current affairs programs to provide a coherent, objective account of events in their region and the world.

The Congress Of Romanian Americans met with Senator Mitch McConnell along with Governor George W. Bush's foreign policy advisors on Wednesday, July 26 to discuss security, economic relations and foreign assistance issues.

The meeting was held at the National Republican Committee Headquarters in Washington, DC and included representatives from eighteen Central and East European ethnic organizations. Representing the Congress Of Romanian Americans was Timotei Zivku, CORA Board Member, and the representative of the Baptist community of Northern Virginia.

The discussion focused on the need to guarantee the security, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The group asked that the issue of further NATO expansion be included in the platform of the Republican Party, whose convention was held in Philadelphia on July 31st. Also raised was the need to have the issue on the agenda at the next NATO summit meeting.

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) addressed the group and focused on democracy building in the Central and Eastern European countries. A representative of the Polish organization stressed that this could be accomplished through continued VOA and RFE/RL worldwide broadcasting. The ethnic community in the US is concerned with the cutbacks and elimination of American media in Eastern European countries, where free press and media face many challenges, especially in the fragile democracies emerging from totalitarian rule. He added that democracy building could also be accomplished by enhanced exchange programs, by monitoring of elections of all leaders and by the promotion of human and minority rights within Eastern Europe countries. Other speakers from the Central and East European Coalition addressed the restructuring of foreign assistance programs and discussed steps to increase trade and investment, thus improving economic relations between the US and Central and Eastern Europe.

The meeting closed with an offer to continue on-going consultations with the Republican Campaign Committee and to invite Governor Bush to an event sponsored by the CEEC communities at a location in the Midwest.

The CEEC has also shared its recommendations for foreign and domestic policy issues with the Democratic Platform Committee in St. Louis.