Speech #680194343

SA13ATHI and the gentleman from New York . I am unable to find in the RECORD any objections that have been raised to any provision in this -bill that is not contained in the minority report. The gentlemen signing the minority report are able men with long legislative experience and their wellknown attitude on the general question of the regulation of immigration warrants me in the belief that they have raised every possible point in opposition to this measure. As the minority report sets forth in regular order their objections to the various provisions of the bill. It Is my purpose to answer these objections In the order in which they have been put forth in the minority report. The gentlemen signing the minority report before setting forth their objection to this measure asked four questions. namely: How and in what way will this bill assist in preventing the entry of undesirable and dangerous aliens? Why were the quota restrictions of the 1924 immigration act not extended to Mexico. Canada. and South and Central American Republics? Why does the bill fail to include provisions that would prevent the desertion of alien seamen? Why were the five and three year limitation periods removed? I shall answer the first question later in my remarks after we have considered the provisions of the bill. The advisability of extending in this bill the quota restriction provisions of the 1924 immigration act. to Mexico. Canada. and South and Central American Republics was not considered by the committee for the reason that this measure is a deportation measure. The advisability of extending the quota provisions of the 1924 immigration act to any or all of the countries mentioned will be considered in connection with the amendment of the 1924 immigration act. The *advisability of placing in this bill provisions that would strengthen the present law with reference to preventing the desertion of alien seamen was given careful consideration by your Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. There is perhaps need of legislation covering this particular point. but as such amendments immediately entwine themselves around the maritime industry of our country the committee felt that this particular question was deserving of further consideration. In answering their fourth question as to why the five and three year periods of limitation were removed I desire to call to your attention the status of the present law.