Speech #710318076

I do not pretend to know that the whole country would like absolute suspension. but I am familiar with the State whose Congressman at large I have the honor to be. I think I know Illinois as well as any man who lives in it and I believe that this bill would be enacted into law if it were possible to have a statewide vote upon the subject. The best authorities prove that this bill will keep out 188.000 persons each year for two years. or. in round numbers. 376.000 immigrants from foreign lands. It will prevent this vast army from entering this country to take jobs needed by the millions of unemployed citizens here. In spite of this act of restriction. every alien legally in the country has his rights under the Constitution and is entitled to protection in that right. It should also be remembered that this bill is a suspension for two years only. Furthermore. it is exactly fair as between all the countries of the world. I agree with the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Immigration . the able Representative from the State of Washington. that the need of restriction is vital and the danger of nonrestriction is colossal. I agree with him in his idea that in addition to the million who are always out of work through failure to contact the jobsthe misfitsthere will be next winter at least 3.000.000 and perhaps 4.000.000 who will seek jobs which they can not find. I agree that we may care for 2.000.000 out of 5.000.000 by creating Government work. but in spite of everything we would have 2.000.000 on our hands.