Speech #780122522

So far as the pending measure is concerned. there is no opposition to what it will do. The opposition to it is honest and sincere. but it is based on a misapprehension. During the last 25 years I believe I have become qualified to speak on the subject of immigration. for in a modest way I have helped to shape our immigration policy. which protects our American workers against the threat of their employers to import substitutes from overseas whose living standards enable them to accept wages below those which are fair according to the American standard. For many years that protection has been established and maintained. and I would be the last man to support any movement to alter our immigration policy. But this measure does not alter that policy. It reaffirms it. It strengthens it. This measure clarifies the sound principle of restrictions on immigration which may bring injury to American workers. It applies the principle to the Chinese people which has proved safe and successful in the case of other peoples. It makes impossible their ever becoming a factor in our economy which can harm our labor structure.