All of the aliens mentioned in todays bills. although illegally in the United States. have been lawabiding. hardworking. and selfrespecting people since their arrival among us. In most instances they have resided here for 10 or 12 years. they are married to American citizens. and have Americanborn children. Some of them cannot be deported because their native countries will not admit them. to deport others would subject them to the loss of all they have accumulated and to imprisonment and perhaps death in their native lands. and in practically every case it would mean the separation of a father or a mother from his or her family. We cannot be that cruel. On the other hand. it is our duty as Representatives in Congress to protect the integrity of our laws and the dignity of American citizenship. Most of these bills contain a clause that fraudulent entry shall be deemed lawful for permanent residence and that petitions for citizenship based on fraudulent entry shall be held valid. It seems to me that such a proposition is preposterous. We ought not to reward those who have deliberately flaunted and violated our immigration laws with the honor of American citizenship. with all the rights and privileges and protection that goes with it. We owe it to ourselves and to the many thousands of naturalized citizens who entered this country honestly after years of waiting and saving to refuse citizenship to the aliens who came here through perjury. bribery. and corruption. If we permit them to stay among us it is generosity enough. Mr.
Keywords matched
deported immigration naturalized