Speech #710026839

The quota would be a very small one. But I do not want to spend too much time today discussing Mexico. Let me say briefly. however. that the situation is this: I believe ardently that we are going to have to restrict Mexican immigration. I do not believe it is necessary to change the law to do it. it is all a question of border patrol. The literacy test. the health test. the test about being a public charge. and the contractlabor sections are all four of them sufficient to keep out 98 per cent of the Mexican immigration. if we are able to guard the border. but obviously we can not do that now. We have not enough border patrol. There is no use talking about changing the law until we are able to enforce it. I do not think there is any good in discussing Mexican immigration at this time simply because. even if we did decide to change the law. we could not enforce it. Mr. President. there is a certain advantage. in discussing this subject. in stating how other countries have treated us. and seeing what they permit our workmen .to do who might seek positions in their countries.