Speech #630393582

All this amendment aims to do is to strike out the word "solely." So that the amendment can be understood by the membership of the House. I wish to read. a portion to which this amendment applies and which it aims to modify. There is an exemption as to whom the literacy test shall not apply. and it reads: All aliens who shall prove to the satisfaction of the proper immigration officer or to the Secretary of Labor that they emigrated from the country of which they were last permanent residentsThe amendment strikes out the word "solely for the purpose of escaping from religious persecution. If this amendment should be agreed to. then it would not be absolutely necessary that each and every immigrant whom we are trying to aid and assist shall prove that he is actually fleeing from religious persecution. The Senate realizing and recognizing that it was the desire of the people who framed the exception to give some relief to these thousands of unfortunate. persecuted people. wisely eliminated the word "solely" so that it would not be necessary for aliens to prove that they were emigrating solely for that purpose.. a thing Which it would be impossible for them to do. An inspector might ask such. an alien. "Are you not also coming to this country to better your condition or to live in a country of freedom and liberty? " The emigrant would be obliged to answer in the affirmative. and the result of this honest answer would be his exclusion. because he can not come In for .-that purpose.. but must come solely because of the fact that he is fleeing from religious persecution. In view of the fact that 99 per cent of these people come here not alone for the reason that they wish .to escape religious persecution. not alone for the reason that they believe that this country will- guarantee to them the right to worship God according to their own beliefs. but because they wish to better their condition and makea real home for their loved ones. I believe the Senate amendment should be. approved.