Mr. President. to proceed with my remarks. let me say that these facts sharply emphasize that in terms of contributions. in terms of need. and in terms of waste. the present operation of the quota system based on national origin is as out of balance as a pingpong ball measured against a steel ingot. I do not ask that the entire nationalorigins quota system be repealed. I do request. however. contrary to the provisions of S. 2550. that we take immediate steps to rectify the injustices which it has fostered. One method of so acting would be adoption of the plan for pooled quotas. which I have already mentioned. A second alternative. though of lesser effect. would be to modernize our law by substituting the 1950 census for that of 1920 as the base for the computation of nationality quotas. To retain the 1920 census base. as the proposed legislation does. is to discriminate against those nationality groups whose proportionate contribution to our population has increased during the past 30 years. Again I refer to the remarks of the four dissenting members of the Committee on the Judiciary in stating: When it is understood that recent immigration has reflected (a) love of freedom on the part of the alien. and (b) forces of oppression or intolerable economic pressure in the country involved. the implications of the discrimination must soon become apparent. To discriminate against the immigrants of the past 30 years. at a time when we are battling to win the minds and hearts of the peoples of Europe. is to ignore our friends. to help our enemies. and to intensify population pressures and resentments that endanger the peace.
Keywords matched
quota system immigration immigrants