Speech #830100041

We must do this. We cannot afford. in this free world where we are supposed to be the leaders in the matter of freedom. to do less than this. Ofttimes we hear stated that the United States has borne the major share of the postwar immigration. Acting Secretary of State Smith pointed out in testimony before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Naturalization that a number of countries have made a substantial contribution in receiving migrants from Europe. stating that since 1945 Canada has admitted approximately 775.000 immigrants from Europe. Australia 720.000. Latin American countries approximately 125.000 annually. How can we. in good conscience. urge these nations to raise their levels of immigration in the absence of any forthright action on our part? The pending measure authorizes the issuance of 204.000 special nonquota immigrant visas plus an adjustment of status for 5.000 nonimmigrants in this country. During the 3 fiscal years of 1950. 1951. and 1952. approximately 45 percent. or 208.317. of the authorized quotas were not utilized. So actually the quotas in this bill represent virtually no increase in the immigration total allowed under existing law. The consideration of every aspect of the pending legislation demonstrates that its enactment would redound to the overall benefit of the Nation. Its humanitarianism is obvious.