Speech #870304743

I would just like to stress that this 16.000 estimate is based on the number of fourth preference aliens who are on consular waiting lists with a registration date prior to March 31. 1954. The mere fact of their registration on the list. plus their eligibility under this bill. will not necessarily mean that the full estimated number of 16.000 will actually come to America. Among the names registered so long ago on consular lists are those who have since died. moved. or. for one reason or another. simply changed their mind about emigrating to the United States. In my considered opinion. not more than 10.000 to 12.000 of those eligible under this bill will actually derive its benefits. I stress this. not by any means to belittle this bill. which I think is much needed. but to show how. relatively speaking. we are dealing with a mere trickle of immigration in passing stopgap measures as this. Mr. President. as this bill passed the Senate 8 days ago. section 4 of the bill amended present section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act by changing from 1940 to 1952 the cutoff date of entry for persons eligible for certain administrative relief. In the other body. an amendment was offered and agreed to. striking this section 4. In its stead. the other body agreed to a second amendment inserting a new section 4 in the bill relating to the present Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs in the State Department.