Speech #590120292

Mr. Chairman. I thoroughly and earnestly believe in the educational test provided in this bill. because it will restrict a tide 9f immigration which I think must soon be restricted for the welfare of the American nation. It is. therefore. as a friend of the bill that I offer this amendment. While I do not believe that a large percentage of the immigrants who come here from Europe now come. as did our forefathers. to find here "what there they lost. freedom to worship God." yet it is unfortunately still true that many forms of oppression exist in Europe today. And I think no harm can be done by maintaining the noble practice that has prevailed so long in the United States of offering a welcome to those who flee from intolerance in other lands. The amendment is carefully guarded. It is also based upon the English alien act. as was the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York . not that I think for one moment we can learn anything from Great Britain upon the subject of immigration. but that act is well and carefully drawn. And this section is based upon it. and I think is so safeguarded that no harm will be done to the cause of restriction and much good may be shown to the people of Europe. It will be noticed that the section provides that the immigrant must prove that le coumes here solely to avoid religious persecution or punishment or persecution involving the danger of imprisonment or danger to life or limb. It is not left with the bare statement. but proof must be niade. I opposed the last amendment in regard to the likelihood of becoming a public charge. because it tends to lower the bars. but this does not lower the bars now existing. It will be noticed also that the matter of admission or nonadmission of any immigrant claiming the exemptions of this amendment is left with the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. or if he does not care to exercise that discretion. then under such regulations as he himself may prescribe. As a friend of the provision providing for an educational test. I hope there will be no opposition.