Speech #880108389

Mr. President. no provision of any national law is more distasteful to millions of Americans or to the peoples of many nations of the world than the concept of judging a mans worth for immigration to our country on the basis of his place of birth or the racial ancestry of his parents. This is contrary to the great traditions of this Nation. As a people we are morally committed to seek a national policy which will make real the simple truth of the words of St. Paul: God * * * hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth. Although most Presidents since Woodrow Wilson have called upon the Congress to take corrective action. President Kennedys proposal to abolish the national origins quota system is the first time that a specific bill has been proposed to the Congress by a President. The law he seeks would squarely meet national needs and also be pleasing to foreign nationals. It recognizes that each immigrant has a special worth because of his potential contribution to the total manpower of our country and that he should be judged on his individual ability. The bill will provide flexibility in refugee policy. remove offensive Asiatic restrictions. and increase basic quotas for many new nations. Over a 5year period it would eliminate all quotas based on national origin. The total annual quota would be raised only slightly from the present 154.000 to an estimated 164.000. One important objective is for the reunification of families now separated by our outmoded immigration laws. It is with a sense of privilege that I cosponsored the legislative proposal to carry out the recommendations of our President. Let us remember at all times. we are the nation which chiseled on our Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired. your poor.