Speech #790173949

I think the gentleman is quite highly complimented by the Committee on Ways and Means inviting him to introduce the bill. and I think the gentleman well deserves that confidence. May I inquire concerning section 231. having to do with immigration. Before doing so. may I say that I am delighted to see that provision has been made for a liberal interchange of citizens between our two countries. The gentleman knows very well that we have a great many Filipinos residing in my State of California. and they make excellent citizens. I do not quite understand section 231. which. according to the committee report. grants to a Philippine citizen who actually resided in the United States for a period of 3 years immediately prior to November 30. 1941. the right to enter the United States as a nonquota immigrant during the 5year period beginning July 4. 1946. The gentleman knows very well that on December 7. 1941. a war was started against us. I do not see how a person of Philippine citizenry who was not in the United States for some period. say several months before November 30. 1941. could qualify under this provision for reentry into the United States.