I do feel that America has flourished because our doors have been open somewhat to people of other lands. but I do not look at this melting pot quite so enthusiastically as others have done. I find that this socalled melting pot at critical times has had a good deal of slag in it. Heretofore when we have dealt with Immigration laws we have done it with the thought of how the influx will affect labor conditions or the economic situation. Apparently all too often we have forgotten that when we open our doors to immigrants. we are admitting ancestors of future citizens. and not only laborers. Very few Americans who have not resided in China have a higher regard for the Chinese people than I have myself. I heartily approve of inviting Chinese students to attend our colleges and universities. I certainly endorse our abolition of extraterritorial rights in China. which our Nation with other western nations have heretofore exercised. I want to treat the Chinese. not only while we are at war but for long years of peace. on terms of mutual respect and equality. My vote on this measure. however. is not to be construed as indicating my stand on our general immigration policy. It may be impossible under the rules of the House to attach an amendment to this bill extending equality of quota treatment to China and at the same time reducing the quota of immigration from all countries. which I should very much like to do.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration immigrants