Speech #830099973

Something should be done about those people. I am not trying to create the impression that we can in this bill alleviate fully the overpopulation problem in any country. I have always taken the position. together with those who believe in further liberalization of our immigration law. that we cannot amend our immigration laws to the extent of alleviating entirely the overpopulation problem of the world. It is a very complex and serious problem. I think the President of the United States makes it abundantly clear that what we are trying to do is not only to grant material help to these people. but to create a psychological atmosphere which is absolutely necessary to demonstrate the duty of leadership that belongs to America in guiding the way. so that other countries will follow our example. and actually do something about overpopulation in a very substantial manner. I will admit that we cannot absorb completely the overpopulation in other countries. All we can hope to do is to take in that number of immigrants whom we can conveniently and comfortably absorb into our economy. We cannot afford to have come to this country even one immigrant who will take a job away from an American. I know that. and I appreciate that. I think those who advocate liberalization of our immigration laws believe as I do. But. in my opinion. here in the United States we can absorb a few more than are allowed to come in under the socalled WalterMeCarran Act. I belie.e the pending bill. limited as it is. is a step in the right direction.