Speech #670195687

Mr. Chairman. the question under discussion here today is not that of immigration restriction. The only issue involved in this resolution before the House is the question of the resolution itself to make permanent the right of admittance of the 2.443 immigrants whom the immigration .authoritiesfor humanitarian reasons had temporarily permitted to enter the United States under bond in excess of the quota limit. This resolution is to remedy some of the defects of the 3 per cent immigration restriction act of last year and lessen -some of the inequalities. injustices. and unusual hardships entailed to these immigrants in the administration of that law. It is not an attempt to break down or nullify the present 3 per cent restriction act. because .all of the 2.443 cases mentioned are unusual cases. resulting from the enactment of a law that suddenly changed the accepted and traditional policy of the United States from a haven and a refuge to all of the oppressed peoples of the world to a land of very limited entry. bordering on close restriction. The administration of this new law. so different from the old law. very naturally brought about such complications which any new law brings about. for it is Inevitable when a new law is passed. especially a radically changed law. such as the 3 per cent quota act. that many inequalities would exist and that it would entail many injustices. and it is to correct these things that this resolution is presented here today. Now. how unfair and unjust and how cruel some of these things may be is known only by the victims themselves. their relatives. the immigration authorities. and those Members of Congress who have interested themselves in the fate of these unfortunate people. I want to bring before the House the case of a mother and a daughter who. if this resolution is not passed. will be subject to deportation. They are admitted under bond at present. It is the case of a poor Polish woman and her daughter.