Speech #760214651

Mr. Chairman. our immigration laws are selective and restrictive. Because of the fact that they are restrictive they are often referred to as "labors tariff." Organized labor has shown a deep interest in immigration legislation because through it the supply of labor and the quality of labor can in a measure be controlled. This is the historical reason for placing the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization in the Department of Labor. As a member of the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization I have had occasion to examine numerous individual cases which prove to my satisfaction that certain judicial aspects centering around some of the functions of this Bureau might be an adequate reason for placing it in the Department of Justice. I may add further that my examination of many individual cases has convinced me that the Bureau might well be placed In the Department of State. Visas. for instance. are issued by this Department. The conditions surrounding the issuance of visas abroad to persons who allege their purpose to be a mere visit in our country should be examined with care. I have found that in numerous instances such temporary visas are extended time upon time. and finally some complication arises which may make the visitors departure from our country difficult. Then an appeal is made for permanent residence. There Is reason to believe that undue advantage is taken by some persons who come to our country allegedly as visitors. but in truth as candidates for permanent residence. It would. therefore. not be illogical nor impractical to place the Bureau in the Department of State. It matters not a great deal. I believe. which of these three Departments is charged with the responsibility of enforcing our immigration and naturalization laws. provided the laws are actually enforced. A high type of citizenship is the most valuable asset any country can possess. I trust that whichever Department is assigned the responsibility of enforcing our immigration and naturalization laws will appreciate the full significance of the valuable service it can render to the American people. The conditions which may prevail in Europe following the present war may be such as to induce numerous persons to seek refuge in the United States. The immigrants who come to our country bring with them their ideas. their background. and their way of life. It will be to the interest of good citizenship in our country to prepare now for that future day. lest the cherished institutions of our Republic be endangered.