Speech #720201785

Mr. Speaker. that portion of the appropriation for the Labor Department covering the Bureau of Immigration carries with it some items for the immigration service larger than for the present year. A deficit for the current year was caused in part by the extra cost for the deportation of several thousand aliens at an expense greater than estimated. The zealous employees have helped to cover this deficit through furloughs without pay. The items of the bill were entirely proper in view of the situation. The employees have been indirectly penalized for their zeal in enforcing the law. This situation should be taken into consideration by the President when he submits to the House of Representatives the recommendation of an additional sum to cover the cost of deportations. as suggested would be done. by the gentleman from Alabama . Vermont has a hundred miles of border along the Canadian line. A network of roads makes the enforcement of immigration laws and regulations very difficult. The immigration and customs officers are highgrade men and women. They have been performing a splendid service for their country. They are faithful and patriotic. As evidence of this fact. the employees along the Vermont border have voluntarily signed joint letters directed to the Commissioner General of Immigration calling his attention to the fact that because of the layoff of employees without pay the work of the service can not properly be done. that as a result many aliens are obtaining entry in violation of law who later must be deported at a final cost far in excess of keeping the full staff on duty. The employees in these joint letters advise the Commissioner General of Immigration that they are willing to remain on duty during the 5daypermonth furlough and the sixth day of each week without pay in order that the law may be enforced. I am glad of the opportunity to publicly congratulate these employees and to commend their patriotic action to other employees of the Government and to the people as a whole. Let the word go out to the country that these men are loyal to their country in this period of difficulty.