Speech #640068001

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the louse. the Committee on Immigration. in reporting this bill. has made an exception in the case of certain people to whom the literacy test should not- apply. I. am thankful for that exception. which is that the literacy test shall not operate as to those who shall prove to the satisfaction of the proper immigration officer or to the Secretary of Labor that they are seeking admission to the United States to avoid religious persecution. and here I desire to offer my amendment. which will make the provision read. " avoid religious or political persecution in the country of their last permanent residence. whether such persecution be evidenced by overt acts or by laws or governmental regulations which discriminate against the alien." As I. have said. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen. I am pleased and am thankful to the committee for the exception as it stands. but I think they should have. in all fairness and justice. included all those who are fleeing from political persecution as well. It has been stated that the Immigration Commission. which for two years investigated the immigration question. has made a report on the literacy test and has recommended this law. I desire to say that two of the gentlemen who helped to prepare the Immigration Commission report of 1911 have published a book. and in that book they have clearly set out their views on this particular phase of the immigration question I refer to Prof. Jenks and Prof. Lauck. of the now famous Immigration Commission. On pages 333 and 334 of their book appears the following paragraph: In. the judgment of the commission. as well as of most other enlightened citizens. the United States. should remain in the future. as In the past. a haven of refuge for the oppressed. whether such oppresslon" be political or religious. Any restrictive measure should contain a provision making an. exception of such. cases.