Speech #630400937

Speaker. I merely wish to point out to the House a couple of amendments which have been agreed to by the conferees. which shows the restrictive policy that actuates the conferees in submitting this bill. One of the amendments proposed by the Senate is amendment No. 7. which struck out the exemption of the payment of the head tax of $6 by aliens who have in accordance with law declared their intention to become citizens of the United States oil their return to this country from a sojourn abroad. I can not understand the policy.of anyone doing that. unless he believes in the policy of America for Amerlciins alone. of placing a head taxof $6 on those future American citizens who have been domiciled here and who have already declared their intentions to become citizens of this country and who temporarily depart for a visit abroad: The Senate conferees struck out that exemption and the House conferees have agreed to the Senate amendment. . Further. asshowing the restrictive character of those offering this bill. I direct the attention of the House to the Senate amendment No. 23. which reads as follows: Provided further That aliens who have declared their intention to becomecitizens and aliens returning after temporary absence to an unrelinquished United States domicile may be admitted in the discretion of the Secretary of Labor. and under such conditions as he may prescribe. That amendment provides for the admissien of aliens who have declared their lIqtention to become citizens of the United States. returning after temporary absence. in the discretion of the Secretary of Labor. They have restricted that provi.ion so that only those aliens who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States can be admitted.- who are admitted within the discretion of the Secretary of Labor. It has been called to my attention that in the administration of the present immigration lawaliens whohave lived here as long as 10years. and who have gon6 abroad for a brief Span of three months. on their return to this country. without any objection as to their physical qualifications. have been absolutely forbidden to land. when they have lived here and intend to make this their home for all time. I can not see how anyone can declare that to be the proper American spirit which should prompt an American Congress In the treatment of those who have not relinquished their American domicile upon their return here after a temporary absence.