Speech #800199489

Chairman. with full respect to my colleagues who have so ably argued against this bill to admit displaced persons. I am entirely unable to accept their reasoning and conclusions. To be sure. there are humane and philosophical considerations involved in this question which have their roots deep in the immigration policy of this Nation since its very inception. America as a great dynamic democracy has served as the traditional place of refuge for the homeless. the oppressed. the lowly. the persecuted. and all those seeking to escape from the ruthlessness and cruelty of despotic governments. We have been proud of this fine tradition and the Nation has profited immeasurably from the influx of genius. lovers of freedom. and the millions of fine. industrious. patriotic people who came to us fleeing persecution and hardship and who have contributed so magnificently through sterling citizenship. loyalty. and devotion to their adopted country. Not only our immigrants. but their sons and daughters. born on American soil. brought up in American communities. educated in American schools. trained in the ways and methods of democracy. have become leaders in many fields of endeavor. have risen by virtue of their own merit to high posts of distinction and achievement. It is regrettable that any scintilla of racial discrimination should enter into our efforts to enact a suitable. effective. displacedpersons measure. I deeply deplore the fact that racial questions have been raised in connection with our consideration of the bill because if this bill Is to be effective. if it is to carry out in any appreciable degree the high objectives which its sponsors. this Cqngress. and the American people have in mind for it. there can be no suspicion of any effort or intent to administer this bill except with fullest respect for. and fair. just. impartial treatment of the various classes of persons we seek to assist by this legislation.