Speech #870120902

John F. Kennedy. As long as Representative WALTERS name is attached to the Immigration law that is currently on our books and which is known as the McCarranWalter law. it is difficult to see how he can escape the suspicion of prejudice against certain national groups. Many of the bills that he quotes to prove his proItalian sympathies would be needless if we had an immigration law based on fairness instead of on national origins which discriminates against immigrants from southern and eastern Europe. The national origins concept has lost its meaning in view of the lack of unimpeded access to the United States by Americanborn sons and daughters of Europeans who emigrated to the Western Hemisphere. Not only does the general public dislike the McCarranWalter law. but also do many of our colleagues. who have introduced omnibus legislation to abolish the law and to enact a law which they regard as fair and reasonable. Approximately 28 Congressmen at some time or other led by Congressman CELLER. of New York. chairman of the Judiciary Committee. have introduced omnibus immigration laws designed to repeal the McCarranWalter law. Eastern Europe is now largely closed to us as a source of immigrants. but no European who lives in a country whose quota is filled for the next 10 years or more while thousands of unfilled quota places remain elsewhere is likely to think of Congressman WALTER as a friend and benefactor. Mr. WALTER is regarded by many as "Mr. Immigration." No legislation apparently can be enacted without his approval. During the last presidential campaign. our President pledged to me in writing that he would espouse legislation revising the immigration law to make it more humanitarian. to reunite families. and to reallocate unused quotas. While Congressman WALTER has introduced legislation this year. meaningful immigration laws carrying out the Presidents program has not been forthcoming. In view of Mr. WALTRs breastbeating as to his accomplishments.