Speech #820169792

I cannot believe that either local labor or the employers think those crops should rot in the field. since they are needed for our own economy and for the Nations defense efforts. The logical solution to all of this problem is a practical contract between the United States and Mexico under which the farmqrs of south Texas can operate. We have legislation in the new omnibus immigration bill that would take care of it. It would give us a bordercrossing card similar to that of Canada. which could be used when the Government finds we have jobs that cannot be filled by citizen labor. I have taken this up with the executive department. and have been told that we have no hopes of seeing it put into effect so long as there is any chance of a contract between the United States and Mexico on labor. and. unfortunately. this means one largely dictated on Mexican terms. The results are that we are stuck with an impractical labor contract between the United States and Mexico. We find today the Government of Mexico is dictating this legislation on the floor of Congress. and demanding that we pass this felony bill against our own citizens. or they will not enter into a contract to furnish labor. Under the omnibus immigration bill. with provisions for a bordercrossing card. we have a legal means of taking this weapon and this coercion from Mexico and recruiting the labor. but the executive department refuses to utilize it. Many may wonder why we have this Inconsistency of people in Mexico desperately needing employment. and the dollars to support their families. while at the same time the Government of Mexico does its utmost to put limitations in the contract that make it impractical. and to coerce the Congress into passing this felony legislation on its own citizens. The reasons are simplewhen you understand the makeup of the Mexican Government.