Speech #870161008

F muARY 15. 1962. To Members of the U.S. Congress: We urge the Congress of the United States in its present session to act effectively with respect to the primary issue in the field of U.S. immigration policythe national origins quota system. We believe that the principle inherent In the national origins quota system. which was developed immediately following World War I. is incongruous with presentday American political and social philosophy. The system itself is inadequate for meeting the complex contemporary situation and serves to undermine our own interest both nationally and internationally. We believe in the careful selection of prospective immigrants with due regard to our national concerns in such areas as health. morals. and security. but we also believe that such selection should not reflect discrimination against persons because of places of birth. We. therefore. urge upon Congress that immigration policy should give adequate recognition to human dignity and worth as well as to our countrys humanitarian motivations and her concern for fulfilling her responsibilities at home and abroad. Respectfully submitted. American Civil Liberties Union.