Speech #710126912

Mr. Chairman and Members of the House. I should like for a few minutes to discuss the question of immigration from the Western Hemisphere. The regulation of the admission of foreigners into our country has always been a live subject. Even in colonial days bars were effectively erected by each colony against those whose presence promised any opposition to the orderly procedure of that colony. The striking difference between the motives that actuated the founding of the several colonies was a strong barrier between them. The people of each colony welcomed those whose ideals were similar to theirs. but indicated a strong antipathy toward those with different ideals and ambitions. Thus restriction of immigration was in effect very early in the history of our country. although without the sanction of statutory enactment. These differences were not sufficient to affect the growth of the country. The foundations of our Republic were not laid upon the differences that existed among the colonists. but rather upon the marks of similarity. Oppression by the fatherland was visited upon each of the colonies without any apparent favoritism. Common oppressions encouraged common sympathies. common sympathies produced common hatreds. and the fire of common hatreds started tile flames of war. In times of war immigration is greatly lessened. and so it was during the Revolutionary War. But with the return of peace the question again became one of lively interest as is witnessed by the comments of Jefferson. Hamilton.