Speech #830269040

Fisher. legal adviser to the State Department. and Thomas G. Finucane. chairman. Board of Immigration Appeals. Department of Justicemade its report entitled "Whom We Shall Welcome." Its findings in brief were summarily stated in the following words: The commission believes that our present immigration law should be completely rewritten. On June 25. 1952. President Truman vetoed the Immigration and Nationality Act with the following words: A general revision and modernization of these laws unquestionably is needed and long overdue. particularly with respect to immigration. But this bill would not provide us with an immigration policy adequate for the present world situation. On June 26 and 27 the House and Senate overrode the Presidents veto. I voted against this act when it passed the House in April 1952 and I voted to sustain the President on June 26. This subject is of especial concern to me inasmuch as both my parents were born in Italy and came to this country in their youth under our then liberal immigration system. Their loyalty and devotion to their adopted land could be surpassed by no native born citizens. I regret that. despite campaign promises. the present administration has not seen fit to give priority to the legislation on this pressing issue. I have sought hearings on an omnibus immigration and nationality bill sponsored by me and certain other Members. The legislation proposed by me is a code of permanent immigration and naturalization law designed to enable the United States to meet its continuing obligations in the immigration field without periodic emergency measures. and to meet American needs and requirements at the same time. The proposed act is a comprehensive revision of present law designed to reflect the true American tradition of equal justice under law for alien and citizen alike. and of friendly welcome for immigrants. without discrimination or bias. but within a strengthened limitation as to total numbers. My bill provides full security against subversive and other undesirable aliens but raises the redtape curtain which is now lowered against the entry of aliens. either as immigrants or visitors. from across the seas. The imperative need for a thoroughgoing amendment of the McCarranWalter Act is not a partisan issue but a challenge to be met by the common action of all our people. I shall continue to labor for an immigration and naturalization policy that will represent an essential return to our basic American traditions and concepts.