Speech #680193372

Mr. Speaker. by the immigration act of 1924 we have materially restricted immigration to this country. The very restriction of aliens has brought about a greater number of unlawful entries. so determined are these foreigners to gain admission Into the United States. Not only that but the stricter the law the more exacting becomes its enforcement and more difficult the deportation feature. The pending measure will largely solve the problems confrontIng the immigration officials. as well as diminish crime throughout the United States. The deportation of criminal and undesirable aliens Is a matter of selfdefense. for they constitute a menace to our institutions and a burden on our Government. The riddance of this rubbage will tend to promote law and order in this country. .Nobody objects to a law of this kind but the affected alien. and le is not entitled to a day in court. Violations of our immigration laws have grown to an alarming proportion. and a deportation statute with teeth is needed as well as vigorous enforcement. Since 1920 reports have been received of 99.134 deserting seamen. In 1924. 34.679 were reported as deserting. whereas only 0.409 aliens of all classes were deported. Section 18 deals with the exclusion and deportation of aliens who are found not to be entitled to admission to the United States. It might be called the exclusion section of the bill. It is a revision of existing law. Section 19 catalogues the aliens subject to arrest and deportation. If there is any criminal. undesirable. or notwanted alien not included. I promise to pay a reward to anyone so naming such alien. in the hope that he may be provided for.