It is only necessary to point out that there is no provision anywhere in the bill for confinement of anyone in a concentration camp. In fact. it is utterly impossible that anyone could be so confined under the provisions of this bill. While it is conceivable that there might be an alien confined for a considerable length of time. and possibly for life. in an immigration station or a Federal penitentiary by virtue of the passage of this bill. yet it is such a remote possibility as to be negligible. No alien can be detained longer than necessary for him to make some kind of departure arrangements. Quoting further from Mr. Pressmans letter: This procedure is a violation of the fundamental principles of justice and in contravention of our constitutional guaranties. What fundamental principles of justice does it violate? Every one of the aliens who will be dealt with came here uninvited and forfeited his right to remain here. as in each case will have been adjudged by our own immigration authorities. in accordance with our law. before this act can touch him. It is a universally recognized principle of law that no alien has any right to live in this country except by complying with our laws. "In contravention of our constitutional guaranties." Whose constitutional guaranties? The Constitution of the United States and the rights therein assured are for the benefit of citizens. not aliens. It is true that in criminal cases due process of law is required even for aliens. But deportation is not a criminal proceeding. The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly so held. So no alien. much less one of the four worst classes of them. can complain that we do not accord him in this civil proceeding the rights reserved for citizens.
Keywords matched
immigration deportation