Speech #830100607

We are also told that a serious overpopulation problem exists in *many countries of the world. and that we likewise have a solemn duty and responsibility to solve that situation. I recognize the problem but point out again that this bill will not be a drop in the bucket toward the solution of this historic and serious condition. We are told that this measure will further implement our foreign policy. and that we must set an example for other nations of the world to follow in opening their doors to these people so that the refugee and the overpopulation proposition can be solved. These arguments have become threadbare. but many are misled into believing that this bill will relieve the suffering and distress in Europe. Yes. the refugee question and the question of overpopulation axe indeed serious world problems which we all recognize and feel concerned about. But let me say to you that should we here "in our great country open our doors wide and allow millions upon top of millions of refugees and surplus people from these overpopulated countries to enter. we could not make a dent in the solution of this ageold problem. These conditions have existed throughout Europe and Asia for centuries and will continue to exist for many. many years to come. We must then look upon this problem in the cold light of what is best for America. With this in mind. let us review the measure at hand. Mr. Chairman. make no mistake about it. this bill is designed to bypass the quota system setup in the McCarranWalter Act enacted by the 82d Congress. The McCarranWalter Act was the product of many long and hard years of study and was enacted by this Congress by an overwhelming majority and became the law of the land despite Presidential veto. This measure took into account all factors in this great problem and arrived at quotas based upon the number of immigrants which could be absorbed and assimilated in our country. It was the handiwork of some of .the best minds in our Nation. It stands as a legislative monument to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania who. is my opinion. knows more about immigration matters than any other American. We are now asked to disregard that quota system and issue 240.000 Additional quotas. Who are these people and from whence do they come? The bill is being presented to the American people as a dis. placedpersons bill. a bill to give a haven to the escapees from behind the Iron Curtain and refugees in general from communism. But. when we scrutinize the bill closely. Mr. Chairman. we find that the refugee problem is merely used in an effort to build up public sentiment for the passage of this measure. If it is a refugee bill. then why must we admit so many thousands of people from countries where no refugee problem exists? Sixty thousand are to come from .Italy. where there is no question of escapees or refugees from communism. Many thousand more are to be admitted from other countries which know nothing of an escapee or refugee problem. Yes. Mr. Chairman. I say again that this is an effort to bypass our quota system and to open our doors wider to those who wish to come to our shores. The question which we. as representatives of the American people. must in all fairness resolve in this House today is whether or not this measure is in the best interest of our great Nation. Let us take a look at some of the facts which cannot be denied.