Speech #820209579

I hasten to state that I am not a lawyer. nevertheless. I believe I know enough law to be able to talk about this matter. It is true that habeas corpus might lie in cases of deportation. but habeas corpus does not lie in regard to the exclusion of immigrants. It is perfectly clear that the bill provides a power to exclude for activities which would be prejudicial to the public interest. and it is also clear that the application of that provision would not be confined to the Attorney General. but could also extend to consular officers. I now read the provision. which is paragragh (27) of subsection (a) of section 212 of the pending bill: (27) Aliens who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe seek to enter the United States solely. principally. or incidentally to engage In activities which would be prejudicial to the public interestAnd so forth. If the Senator from Rhode Island will explain to me what could be done by a poor devil who made application for a visa. but whose application was refused because of some imaginary determination on the part of a consular officer. who may be a person of very little responsibility. and who might conclude that the applicant at some time in the futurenot today or tomorrow or next .year. but at some indefinite time in the futuremight engage in activities which would be prejudicial to the public interest. I should like to have the explanation.