Speech #590091236

Mr. President. in presenting this bill. which is in amendment of the present immigration laws. an effort has been made to strengthen those statutes and to make them more effective. The Senate will remember that the act of 1903 was not only a very comprehensive measure. but that it was based upon the principle that we should cause a most thorough examination to be made of all aliens seeking to become residents of the United States. and that every objectionable character. whether the objection arose from mental or moral or physical causes. should be excluded. Before taking up the amendments for discussion. I wish to say. that the public sentiment of the country has become very much aroused by the vast number of aliens who have sought entrance into the United States since 1898. This may well be so. because in that year the number coming was only 229.299. while in 1905 it had increased to 1.026.000. The tide of immigration reached its highest mark in that year. Owing to this great influx of aliens a belief has become general that the European nations are using the United States as a dumping ground for their diseased and their insane and their criminal classes. To some extent this may be true. but not at all to the extent. in my judgment. that is believed by the general public. In order that there may be a better understanding of the causes which control the flow of immigration to the United States and of the character and condition of aliens recently admitted. I wish to submit some facts gathered from official sources which may serve to dispel misapprehension apd allay fears.