Speech #760252365

I hope that the thoughts of the Members will be carried out and that not only English children but the children of Poland. Belgium. and other parts of the world. who have had to run away from these dictators. may be given the same opportunity to come over here. In connection with red tape in the immigration laws. the Committee on Immigration of the House has been holding hearings in connection with the State Department and the Department of Justice to try to cut this red tape in order that you and I may do something real for the unfortunate children of those countries. Many questions have been raised by a number of Members of the House as to who is going to select these children and as to how we are going to pass on this selection. The fact of the matter is that whatever measure my committee may bring out to bring about their relief will have nothing to do with the present neutrality law. The bill we are passing here today does not repeal or have anything to do with the present immigration law. Under the present immigration law each immigrant. whether he comes in here under a permanent. visa or a temporary visa must comply with the existing provisions. namely. those having to do with an examination by a health officer and qualifications with reference to mental and physical ability. All of the requirements must be observed before that person. whether it be a child or an adult on a visitors or a permanent visa is allowed to enter this country. This bill. in my opinion. only deals with the cutting of red tape in the neutrality law. and I think you are doing a wise thing in cutting it fast. I hope and trust that my committee will work as fast to cut such red.tape as we think ought to.be cut in order to give equal opportunity to all refugee children. no matter where they are within.the confines of this world. We were informed only this morning that the Nazi Government is bringing to bear a lot of pressure on other countries not yet in the destructive area and that some English. Polish. Belgian. and Finnish children are within those areas. and that they must be taken out at the earliest possible moment. I appeal to the Members of Congress. let us get together and pass this bill at the earliest possible moment. and if there is any red tape dealing with our immigration laws. my conmittee is now considering legislation to remedy that phase of the problem. too.