Speech #830164468

announcement refers to the ideas already existing in the Nation as well as in some of the States with regard to controling Puerto Rican immigration in some form or other. Our friend. the Congressman. who does not believe in this control. has announced his growing concern and asks that efforts be made to have the immigrant prepared as well as possible so that he will adapt himself to and develop in his new surroundings. This is exactly what we have been suggesting in these columns. If we wish to make use of American citizenship in order to freely live and work on United States territory. the least we can do is show appreciation of [respect for] that citizenship. It is a horrible inconsistency that some Puerto Ricans use their American citizenship to live and work in the United States while ardently devoting themselves to stirIng up hatred and prejudice against the Americans. On the other side. the Immigrant. if he Is a responsible person. must seek to create as few problems as possible in the locations to which he goes. And his first indication of good faith must be an effort on his part to learn the native language of his new home. The Puerto Rican Immigrant who learns English proves that he appreciates his American citizenship. and that he wants to identify himself with the community which receives him and gives him a chance to make a living. It is good citizenship and quite natural. Not wanting to learn English demonstrates stupidity and irresponsibility.