Speech #660272770

The section reads as follows: SEC. 7. During the period of suspension provided for in section 2 otherwise admissible aliens who have resided continuously in the lDominion of Canada. Newfoundland. the Republic of Cuba. or the Republic of Mexico for at least one year. and who are not persons of the classes hereinbefore exempted. may be temporarily admitted. for a period not exceeding six months. from such countries. under such rules governing entry. inspection. temporary stay. and departure as may be prescribed by the Commissioner General of Immigration. with the approval of the Secretary of Labor. It will be noted that only " otherwise admissible" aliens may enter. That means that each must pay the head tax and pass the illiteracy test and that the contractlabor clause of the immigration law will be enforced. The head tax is paid but once by a foreigner who comes here to stay. The Canadian or Mlexican or Cuban must pay it each time he arrives. which is obviously an unfair burden to impose on a poor man seeking temporary employment. The illiteracy test is essential to determine the qualifications of a future citizen. but has nothing to do with the ability of a FrenchCanadian to dig potatoes during the summer in Maine or of a Mexican to pick cotton in the fall in Arizona. One will have a share in determining the course of our Government while the other neither seeks or can possibly have any influence upon our political life during his temporary sojourn. The prohibition of labor contracts makes it impossible for farmers organizations to advance the funds necessary to recruit and transport such seasonal laborers from their homes and to insure their return when the harvest is over. The citizens and subjects of the countries immediately adjacent to the United States have always been given a privileged status under our immigration laws. In the interest of better trade relations. if for no other reason. it is desirable that Americans shall freely enter and depart from neighboring countries. but we can not consistently ask that our citizens be granted this right and at the same time deny it to the Mexicans and Cubans and Can adians. To now impose the same drastic law upon our nearest neighbors as upon other aliens from the ends of the earth will not tend to promote the friendly intercourse which everyone knows is advantageous to all the countries concerned.