Speech #660333748

President. just a word in reply to the Senator from North Carolina. The question of new and constructive legislation resolves itself into the proposition that it will take time. it may take three months. it may take six months. and it may take a year. The imminent immigration problem is that there is a grave fear of *a large influx of immigrants from Europe during the next six or nine months or during the next year. The country is impressed with the idea. there is no question about that. and it receives support from Mr. Caminetti. from the commissioner of immigration. Mr. Wallis. and from others who have visited Europe. As I said this morning. when I look at the figures of those who have already come here. I do not share in those grave fears. although I say I am liable to be mistaken. but the country is entitled. until we can frame new legislation. to a .large suspension of immigration. This is not for all time. it is a pure emergency bill. With regard to selection. I wish to say to the Senator that it may not be a very difficult problem to solve. Selection must largely be at the source. It may be a matter of diplomatic regulation through the consuls and the immigration commissions of foreign countries. It may be a matter of immigration treaty. Where we come to the selective system and the system of distribution the whole problem practically resolves itself into the field of treaty legislation. Of course. we could say we might do it under the vis6 system. We could admit immigrants here conditionally under the vis6 system. We might say to Poland that we will admit 5.000 Poles. provided they will go to Kansas farms. but that is pretty difficult to enforce. The whole problem of fundamental selection at the source and distribution here beconfes one of cooperation between the United States and the nations of Europe. taking up each nation separately and letting each country supply the needs here. But that takes time. It is possible there may be diplomatic objections that might be thrown in the way. We know the field upon which we are entering with regard to immigration. we know what we want to accomplish. and the only thing we have to do is to devise practical means. That can be done. but it will take time. and it will not relieve the present situation. I respect the public opinion of the country when I believe it to be a sound and sane public opinion. I say that war conditions in Europe. together with certain episodes at Ellis Island. have created the profound belief that immigration during the next year must be drastically restricted. Having reached that conclusion. whatever view I might entertain myself upon the question of facts as to the proof of flood. I agree entirely with those who support and indorse the present bill.