Speech #840054810

I wish to insert in the RECORD an editorial from the StandardTimes. New Bedford. Mass.. of May 27. 1955. entitled "Keep the Office Open." The editorial points out that the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service plans to close its New Bedford office July 1. 1955. While New Bedford is not in my congressional district. news of this sort is nevertheless most distressing to me and my constituents as it shows the prevailing attitude toward our very grave immigration problems. This plan to close the New Bedford immigration office points up again the fact that the Washington officials are still affronting large groups of Americans who are interested in a sensible. humane immigration law equitably administered. Only last April the people of Massachusetts. whether Democrat or Republican. were incensed and aroused over the State Departments unwarranted action in dismissing Edward J. Corsi. the State Departments expediter of immigration. At the time I felt such action was not only a mistaken act. demonstrating poor leadership. but also that it stemmed mainly from highly opinionated men in high positions in our Government. Now we see the administration is planning to close the immigration office at New Bedford. I feel that if this contemplated action is effectuated it will unquestionably cause not only inconvenience but a real hardship to a large number of foreignborn inhabitants of that area. I am in complete agreement with the sentiment and reasons expressed in the editorial and will join others in urging the proper authorities most strongly to reconsider the proposed plan to close this office.