Speech #870006306

Mr. President. I introduce on my behalf and on behalf of Senator JAVITs and Senator KEATING. for appropriate reference. a bill to eliminate the termination date of the law authorizing issuance of nonquota immigrant visas to certain alien orphans. There are many American couples. childless or with children of their own. who are eager to care for deserted children and can provide them with good homes. but find it difficult to obtain such children in this country. Among the happiest letters I have received are those from American citizens who became the adopting parents of children brought from other countries. Within the past 10 years. more than 10.000 children have been admitted to this country to join American families. Experience has shown that orphans admitted under such special legislation have successfully adjusted to American family life. The present law exempting such children from the immigration quotas expires on June 30. The purpose of the bill I am introducing is to provide permanent authority for nonquota immigrant visas for such children. This bill strengthens the provisions of the law and extends to children adopted .abroad safeguards similar to those which now exist for children adopted in this country. Such provisions should eliminate any abuses which may have existed In the past. Under this bill any American couple wishing to secure a visa for a child adopted abroad would have to give assurances satisfactory to the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare that the child will be well and properly cared for in a suitable home. Also. under this law. a nonquota visa may not be issued to admit children for adoption unless assurances have been given that the preadoption requirements. if any. of the State in which the child is to live. have been met.