Speech #710175453

In connection with the enactment of that legislation I would like to read an extract from an article entitled " Tightening the Mexican Border." by Robert N. McLean. which appeared in the last issue of the Survey Graphic: A number of things have happened. but the most Important was the law which went into effect on the 4th of March. 1920. making it a felony for axi alien to enter the equntry illegally. Before that date the Mexican who crossed the line without making the customary bow to tile immigration officials was not even guilty of a misdemeanor. Nobody cared much whether lie came or not. but if he became a public charge. or a nuisance. or a habitual crininal. or did something else to attract the attention of the law. the worst that could happen to him was deportation. And a harassed Immigration Service. out of an utterly Inadequate budget. had to feed him for two or three weeks while the necesstry machinery was set in motion to deport him. Then. of course. he was card indexed. and if he appeared again he could be put across the line without delay. But all Mexicans look so much alike to AngloSaxon eyes.