Speech #850267382

I can well understand their deep concern for their overseas brethren. and I am exceedingly anxious to help alleviate the unfortunate conditions that now afflict them because of the loss of their homes in the Azores. The nation has acted in previous instances to help people similarly afflicted. Only recently we passed laws allowing admission to the United States of very many Hungarian refugees. who had been crushed and driven from their homes by ruthless Soviet tyranny. This bill. as proposed by me. would authorize the issuance of 1.500 special nonquotaimmigrant visas to Portuguese aliens. their wives and unmarried sons and daughters under 21 years of age. including stepsons or stepdaughters and sons or daughters adopted prior to July 1. 1953. if accompanying them to this country. Such visas. as provided. would be issued only to nationals or citizens of Portugal. who. because of natural calamity in the Azores Islands subsequent to January 1. 1958. are out of their usual place of abode in such islands and unable to return to their homes and who are in urgent need of assistance for the essentials of life. The bill permits United States consular offices abroad to issue visas to these people when they are found eligible under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I cannot conceive of more worthy legislation or a more deserving people in whose behalf it is proposed to enact it. and I trust that. notwithstanding the imminent adjournment of Congress. my distinguished colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee will exert every effort in compassion and justice to favorably report this bill to the House for CIV1036 passage. The bill is being ably sponsored and guided in the other body by my distinguished friends.