Speech #700124894

I have found it is impossible to do so accurately and without hardship. The basis now in effect carries out the essential principle of the law. and I favor repeal of that part of the act calling for a new basis of quotas. The Secretary of Commerce in all of his communications has practically stated that he is opposed to the national origins test. not because it might permit fewer to come than under the 2 per cent provision based on the census of 1890. although that would permit the coming in. as the Senator has said. of some 11.000 more immigrants. but is because he doubts. from information coming to him. that they can arrive at a proper conclusion upon which to base the quotas. So I submit that there is no great difference in the American Congress now on the immigration question. There is not the slightest chance of lowering the bars that restrict immigration into this country. Neither of the political parties in the recent campaign stood for any increase. and I heard of no candidate for any position standing for any increase in inimigration. The difference was as to details. and the question as to which country should get a larger or smaller quota. The Democratic presidential candidate in his Nashville speech. as well as on other occasions. expressly stated. "I do not favor any increase in our immigration." Personally. if this question can be worked out on the basis of the national origins provision. I should like to see that provision put into effect. I think theoretically it is sound. but I believe. in view of the communications coming to us from the Cabinet officers to whom we entrusted this matter. we are going to be forced before July 1 either to repeal the provision adopting the national origins test or we have got to postpone it and give a longer time before it shall go into operation.