Speech #640218161

Even when he goes away he leaves his counterpart behind. so there is no gain for usgain in the sense of losing him. But secondly. lie must also have filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen. Now. inasmuch as under our naturalization laws the Japanese are ineligible to become citizens. it is a perfect mockery to say that if one so ineligible should declare his intention to become a citizen he could qualify himself under this act for the purpose of importing a wife. This section seems to have been written for the very purpose of keeping out oriental brides. and yet these officials refer to section 37 of the immigration act and the inherited practice thereunder to justify the admission of these brides. Is that another example of the subserviency under which we labor to the oriental Empire? There seems to be such an overweening desire to strain the law. aye. even to violate it. in order to help out these unfortunate people. "If you do not favor us. even to the extent of violating your own laws in our behalf. woe unto you. ye men of the West! We are aroused. We shall resent any attempt on your part to interfere with our nationals. even though they live in violation of your municipal laws." But whereas the present law practically denies them the right to import their women. because they are incapable of making a declaration of naturalization. what was my surprise to find that in the bill which is submitted to the Senate. the Senate committee has amended it and the House language in the interest of the picture bridesthe very evil of which we complain ! As it came from the House. section 22. on page 49. reads: That whenever an alien shall have been naturalized or shall have taken up his permanent residence in this country and shall have filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen. and thereafter shall send for his wife or minor children to join himHis wife and children may join him. The Senate committee had stricken out the words " taken up his permanent residence in this country ahd shall have filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen." and has substituted "shall have resided in the United States for seven consecutive years." It does not require permanent residence in this country beyond a period of seven years. which is a convenience for somebody w~lo does not intend to remain. and it does not require him to have filed a declaration of intention to become a citizen. Why abandon the advantage we have?