Speech #880069822

Mr. President. the President has asked Congress to enact a new immigration law which would basically change American immigration policies. I am heartened that he recognized a compelling need to enact an immigration law that "serves the national interest and reflects in every detail the principles of equality and human dignity to which our Nation subscribes." He has proposed a bill which would eliminate altogether the national origins system for allocating quotas. the Asia Pacific triangle. and other racially discriminatory aspects of our present immigration laws. The proposed legislation. S. 1932. also would establish a series of priorities for admission: first. to immigrants with skills and training needed in our national economy. second. to persons related to individuals already in the country. and. third. to all other immigrants on a firstcome. firstserved basis. with no one nation receiving less than 200 or more than 10 percent of previously established quotas. By seeking an immigration policy reflecting Americas ideal of the equality of all men without regard to race. color. creed. or national origin. we would accomplish two purposes: First. We would enhance Americas image as leader of the free world in according equal dignity and respect to all peoples of the world. and thus accomplish a significant forward stride in our international relations. Second. We would recognize the Individual worth of each immigrant and his potential contribution to the development and growth of our national economy. These basic changes In American immigration policy are long overdue. I have. therefore. joined in sponsoring the administrations bill. Earlier this year I joined in sponsoring a bill.