Speech #820207854

No thoughtful person can object to necessary precautions in the law to protect the Nation against the infiltration of undesirable or subversive foreign elements. but our responsibility is to see that such precautions are written into the law without racial discrimination and without violation of the principles of justice and fairness in which we believe. That is my first concern in connection with the pending bill. Under the legislation recommended by the committee there is provision for the possible annual admission of 154.000 immigrants. but it is significant that quotas assigned to some countries under the proposed system based on the historic national origins formula would not be filled. They never have been in the past. I am impressed with the argument that serious consideration should be given to the pooling or adjusting of unused quotas in order to facilitate reunion of families and relatives. to provide needed workers and desirable skills for this country. and to offer added opportunity for the entrance of victims of dictator governments. I hope It will be possible to accept a suitable amendment to accomplish this end. and I suggest that at least we consider providing for such reallocation of unused quotas for the next 3 years if it is found undesirable permanently to establish such a policy. This would be an appropriate and a reasonable recognition of the plight of refugees and displaced surplus populations of expellees whose presence in large numbers has increased the tension and economic burden in several European countries which are our partners in the community of free nations. Thirdly. I believe that whatever measure is finally adopted should include adequate provision for fair hearings. appropriate appeals. and judicial review in connection with the procedures set up relative to issuance of immigration visas. actual admission of immigrants. and the deportation of legally admitted aliens. I have mentioned only three specific phases of the proposed law which I believe should be strengthened and clarified. There are other larger implications of this matter that are most significant. It has been well said by a group of distinguished religious leaders. representing both Christian and Jewish faiths. thatThe adoption by Congress of an enlightened immigration program would add immeasurably to the moral stature of the United States and would hearten those nations with which we are associated in a common effort to establish conditions of a just and durable peace. Finally. Mr. President. as we consider this important legislation. let us not forget the great tradition of America in holding open the door of opportunity to the sons and daughters of many lands. or how richly they have repaid. in loyalty and devotion. their debt to the country of their adoption. In the expanding history of this great Nation. the vast majority of immigrants have been a source of strength. Foreignborn Americans. and their descendants. have helped to build what has been achieved in the United States in the fulfillment of mankinds striving for a freer and a better life.