Speech #710289011

I move to strike out the last word. Mr. Chairman. the bill under consideration makes an appropriation for Americanizing foreign born in the District of Columbia. I wish to say a few words in its behalf. and also to discuss the need of higher educational requirements for naturalization. further restriction of immigration. registration of aliens. and the deportation of aliens unlawfully in the United States. I have visited the night schools here in our Nations Capital and have seen adult aliens there seeking an education in their desire to become Americans. I know of the splendid work being done. both by the teachers under the leadership of Miss Maud Aiton and by the aliens themselves. To the alien lawfully in this Nation. to the alien who obeys our laws. we owe every opportunity to learn about America. to know of the Constitution and the Government. ideals. and principles of our country. Although many aliens have become American citizens. far more immigrants come here each year than are naturalized. Aliens are slow to accept the privilege of citizenship which the United States extends to them. There are close to 14.000.000 foreign born in the United States todayless than half of whom have become American citizens.