Speech #710176528

That was not perfect. to my way of thinking. Mr. President. the Senator from Georgia introduced a very good bill. which was referred to the Committee on Immigration. It was discussed there and thoroughly considered. I thought it was a very good bill and contained a great many fine provisions. There was not quite enough to it to suit me. but we reported the bill to the Senate. A little later a bill was sent over from the House called the Johnson bill. which I thought and still think. after hearing all the discussion in the Senate in the last week. is the best immnigration bill that has ever been offered since I have been in the Senate. It would not shut out immigration from Mexico. it would not shut out immigration from the Western Hemisphere. entirely. it would allow a reasonable amount of immigration from all countries. It would curtail sonic of the European and Asiatic elements. but. on the whole. it seems to fie that bill is more reasonable than anything else that has been offered. and I have offered it as an amendment to the Harris bill. in the nature of a substitute. There has been talk of shutting off immigration entirely. but I do not think that will do. First. I do not think it is right. and. next. I know it will not get by the House. so what is the use of putting up something here to be knocked down by Members of the House? The Jlohnson bill has gone through the Immigration Committee in the House. it is agreeable to friends of the Box bill. and. so far as I know. there is no opposition to it whatever in the House. It is a good bill. to start with. It would cut down immigration from Mexico from the good many thousands we have been told about in different speecles which have been made. to about 11.000 the first year. and about 7.000 the next year. Then we would go back to the nationalorigins provision. Two years from now we may have a better understanding as to how many Mexicans are needed in the United States for seasonal labor. The whole matter has been pretty well aired. I do not believe there is anybody who has not made up his mind as to what lie wants to do on this immigration question. If it is in order. I want to move that we take a vote on my amendment.