Mr. President. I heard the statement made repeatedly during the recent campaign that the change in the immigration law sought by gentlemen. especially from the East. would bring into our country from about 450.000 to 475.000 immigrants in a year. I wish to put Senators on notice that we have got to watcl this situation very closely. There will be efforts made at this session and in the session to follow to change the immigration law. Such proposals will look very mild on their face. but they will have devilment in them. So we have to guard the situation very carefully. I am going to oppose any change in the immigration law except to make it a little tighter. If I had it in my power. I would exclude all immigrants for five years and let this country take stock and see who is who in America. There are being smuggled into the United States every year through New York thousands and tens of thousandsof foreigners who are never accounted for. The situation is becominsg alarming. They are being smuggled into this country from Canada and from Mexico. Jefferson gave us warning while we were preparing an army and a navy against an invading army. that we had better guard well our gates against a silent imnigrant army. There are certain groups in the United States who do not want any immigration restriction at all. Their action is for the purpose of bringing in people to swell particular groups. to increase their number and political power in the United States. Those of us who cherish this country and its free institutions and want to keep it soundly American have got to guard our immigration gates. I warn all Senators to be on guard. and I. myself. am going to try to keep on guard to prevent suggested changes being put into the immigration law.
Identified stereotypes
Immigrants are portrayed as a silent invading army and a threat to American institutions.