Speech #680076049

I do not believe is intended. Then It can only refer to failure or disinclination to enter into and appreciate the advantages and obligations of citizenship in these United States. But the facts relative to this matter are startling and illuminating and favor the "newer" immigrant so unjustly discriminated against in this bill. To ascertain the comparative Interest in citizenshij of the "old" immigrants from northern and western Europe and the "new" immigrants from southern and eastern Europe we must ascertain the comparative length of residence in this country of each of these two classes of Immigrants before they acquired eltizenship. length of residence before acquiring citizenship is the dominant and determining factor. Figures compiled by the Bureau of Naturalization. after examination of more than 26.000 petitions for naturalization. for the year .1913. which was regarded as a normal year before the War. show that for the most part the immigrants from southern and eastern Europe displayed a greater interest in acquiring citizenship than those from northern and western Europe. It is apparent from the figures so compiled that the races coming from countries where they have suffered oppression and tyranny are more anxious. eager. and ready to acquire citizen. ship. than racial groups coming from other countries. from which they hesitate to forswear allegiance. It has been said that "Distance lends enchantment" and Familiarity breeds contempt." In this case the converse is true. Those who have no experience with immigration or its immediate effects seem to be most ardent in the support of the bill. and ill maintaining the 1890 quota which the bill proposes. while those coming from sections where the work and worth of the Immigrant is apparent and known. are for the most part in favor of maintaining the quota on the basis of the present quota year of 1910. If a reduction of numbers is desired. why not reduce this number on the present quota year of 1910 or shut off immigration entirely? Neither of these plins would permit of a charge of discrimination. Why select the only method which gives just cause for Such a charge?