Speech #850009316

Mr. Speaker. there seems to be some misunderstanding in regard to H. R. 4202. a bill which I have introduced to implement President Eisenhowers recommendations for revision of the immigration and nationality laws. I do not intend to offer a full explanation of the legislation at this time. but I do wish to correct certain statements made by its opponents in analyzing it. It should be pointed out that my bill provides for only moderate revision in the quota system. It does not eliminate the nationalorigins theory. It would not open the floodgates to an influx of immigrants and it is not aimed to bring Communists or subversives of any kind into our country. As a matter of fact. this legislation would provide for a more selective type of immigration than has been the case in the past. It has been charged that H. R. 4202 calls for the immigration of more than 200.000 immigrants annually in excess of those now permitted to come to the United States. This figure is partially arrived at by the allegation that 75.000 Communist escapees would be allowed to enter the United States each year. The fact of the matter is that under the present provisions of the immigration and nationality act there is no numerical limitation on the number of aliens who may be paroled into the United States. My bill would impose an actual limitation on the parole power inasmuch as it could be exercised in behalf of aliens fleeing from Communist persecution. It seems to me that the legislation recommended by the President is actually an improvement over the present law which contains no limitation upon the granting of immigrants entering under parole. Thelimited parole section of my bill would allow a maximum of 67.890 persons to enter the United States annually. However. it is doubtful if the total amount allowed would be utilized. It must be remembered that this number is a maximum and not a minimum. It is not a number to be used every year. Refugees allowed to enter the United States under this provision do not come as immigrants or even as nonimmigrants. They would remain in our country at sufferance. My bill establishes a method whereby parolees could apply for adjustment of status to that of permanent residence after having been in the United States for a certain period of time.