Speech #820214974

Mr. President. rather it was clearly the intent that a maximum of approximately 150.000 aliens should be extended the opportunity to come to this country. if otherwise qualified. in proportion to the contribution of each nationality to the total population of the United States as it existed in 1920. The national origins quotas are that simple. and I cannot admit that the quota numbers are being wasted merely because quotas. for one reason or another. are not filled in any particular year. Bear in mind. if you will. that quotas were never designed for the purpose of bringing aliens to the United States. but instead they are a means by which opportunities are offered to other peoples of the world to come to this country on the basis decided upon by Congress in 1924. Whether or not quotas are used is beside the point. because the underlying theory of the quota system is that the opportunity of aliens of each nationality to immigrate to this country is offered on the basis of the proportionate contribution of each nationality to the 1920 population of this country. I am firmly convinced that the only sane and sensible way in which to deal with our immigration problem is to continue the fundamental philosophy of the national origins system. In my opinion. to depart from that fundamental philosophy would be a tragedy of the worst sort. Much is said about the large British quota which is never fully subscribed. but would we be justified in taking away the opportunities to emigrate offered to our British allies and transferring those opportunities to other groups who. a short time ago. were our mortal enemies? I say "No." Mr. President. The worldwide quota demand Is tremendous at the present time. between 18.000.000 and 19.000.000. If we depart from the fundamental philosophy of our national origins quota at this time. no one is in a position to know what will be the ultimate result. but I. for one. am sure that such a course would be the wedge for opening wide the gates to immigration. Much has been said. and is still being said. about the sacred duty of this country to accept more immigrants as an aid to the solution of the surplus population problems of the overpopulated countries of the world. Mr. President. an immigration and nationality code is not the proper vehicle for approaching a solution of the world surpluspopulation problems. The roots of this problem are much deeper. and let no one be deluded by the thought that it is within our power to solve the surplus population problems of other nations. The solution or alleviation of such problems must depend primarily upon action initiated by the nations afflicted with such surplus population problems.