The purpose of this bill. Mr. Speaker. is to authorize the issuance of 1.500 special nonquota immigrant visas to certain citizens of Portugal who have been displaced from their homes in the Azores Islands as a result of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. which have occurred on several occasions this year. These acts of nature have destroyed hundreds of homes and more than 5.000 people have been evacuated from the islands. These people are desperately seeking means of escape to other islands. and the number amounts to almost 25.000 people. As we know them. they are good. kindly. sincere. and upstanding people. many of whom have their relations in our United States and are our best citizens. Under the provisions of this bill. out of these thousands that have been made homeless through no fault of their own and with no haven of refuge. we will admit 1.500 hoping that other countries will take a selfsame interest and admit the rest of these immigrants to their countries. I am satisfied in my own mind that the admission of 1.500 of these special nonquota immigrants will not interfere in the least bit in the economy of this country. since I know that their countless relations and friends will provide homes and adequately support them. I sincerely hope that the opportunity will be presented to allow them to establish themselves here in the United States since they deserve a helping hand from the people of this Nation. As I stated previously. as a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization that Portuguese immigrants are good, kindly, sincere, and upstanding people.