Speech #680087099

But when you read the statement it shows that I did not half state the facts as strong as they exist. The records now before the House show that five times as many men are illegally crossing the Mexican border than are admitted legally. There is no question but that from 75 per cent to 90 per cent of those who cross the Mexican border are illiterates. and that they are unable to pay the head tax. In addition to that the contract labor law has been violated in practically 90 per cent of the cases. The testimony before the committee this morning. as given by the Commissioder of Immigration and the Assistant Secretary of Labor. was to this effect: That they know of men in these various towns on the border whose business it is to get these men across the border. They know that agents from all over the United States seeking cheap labor are in those communities and they know that these agents cross the line and that these Mexicans are brought across the border. They are satisfied the contract labor law is violated. but they have not the money nor the men with which to make investigations. arrest. and convict the padrones who are bringing in these Mexicans to take the places of American citizens.