At the conclusion of these remarks I shall insert a more detailed description of the provisions of this bill. While we are properly concerned with the interests of the alien. our primary duty is. of course. to the United States itself. One of the greatest problems that has faced this country is the matter of abuse of the judicial process. not only with respect to the multiplicity of reviews of criminal convictions. but also the use of judicial proceedings by deportable aliens for the purpose of delaying or defeating the proper application to them of the laws. Let it not be thought that I would advocate any measure which would deny to any person access to our courts. On the contrary. I heartily support the proposition that persons affected by administrative decisions under the immigration laws should have access to judicial review. But somewhere that review must come to an end. Somewhere the Government must be able to find itself in a position to enforce the law if right and justice so require. Whereas. under ancient practice. habeas corpus was the sole means for review of deportation orders. aliens now have access to various forms of court proceedings. Deportation may be delayed for years while the alien racketeer sojourns peacefully among us. pending the outcome of judicial procedings instituted for no other purpose than to protract his stay. This bill would establish a single uniform method of judicial review of deportation orders. The procedure would be expeditious. and convenient for the alien as well as for the Government. Frivolous and repititious court actions would be eliminated to the fullest extent. Review of an exclusion ord er would be restricted to habeas corpus. a procedure which has traditionally been found entirely satisfactory. I hope that this bill will be enacted so that the judicial process will no longer be available as a weapon to defeat the will of Congress as expressed in the immigration laws. The !resident of the United States has on several occasions requested consideration and revision of the immigration laws. i -am of the view that the welfare of this country demands that we answer his requests with the enactment of appropriate legislation along the lines he has recommended.
Identified stereotypes
Aliens are abusing the judicial process to delay deportation.