Speech #620231049

Mr. Speaker. I am in sympathy with the proposition to restrict immigration in such a way as to keep undesirables out of the country. but I hink it would be particularly unfortunate to complicate with the general question of immigration the bill under consideration. It is urgently important that this legislation should be enacted. I have here the hearings before the committee on the sundry civil appropriation bill. in which the statement is made that there are at the present time 8.000 alien insane. onequarter of the whole. supported at the public expense in the New York State Hospital. at a cost to the State of $2.000.000 annually. It says that the great nmmber of alien insane is being rapidly increased. and they want the law amended in such a way as to protect the public. I am personally in favor of amending the immigration laws so as to keep out all undesirables. But I hope that no gentleman occupying that position will object to the consideration of this bill or insist that it be complicated with amendments. because in my judgment it is legislation that is urgently needed.