Speech #880282360

The legislation now before Congress was submitted by President Kennedy. While almost every President has called upon Congress to correct the present deficiencies of the law. this is the most specific and comprehensive legislation yet proposed. It is a conservative proposal despite its strong liberal backingbecause the national quota system was and is a radical departure from our traditional belief in freedom of movement and equality among men. The corrective devices in this bill are rooted firmly in experience. Where our present system has proven inadequate. unfair or unworkable. S. 1932. the proposed amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. offers practical alternatives. It will not remove the limitation on total numbers. It will admit only so many immigrants as our economy is prepared to absorb without damage to our own workers. It will. however. place emphasis on meeting our manpower needsgiving preference to those special skills. education. and training in demand in the United States. The new frontiers of science and modern technology. among others. are in need of pioneers. This legislation would also give special attention to the reuniting of families and aid for refugees who have fled oppression or natural disaster. The new law would thus embody compassion. commonsense. and recognition of values such as cohesive family life and political freedom. The proliferation of private and special immigration legislation before each Congress makes it evident that our current system must be constantly adjusted. This bill provides for such adjustments in a practical. efficient. and prompt manner. In a memorable speech at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. President Johnson set a goal which can serve as inspiration to all of usthe building of a "great society." A great society is not a closed society. it is open to enriching ideas and contributions of many cultures. it thrives on diversity. Immigration reform means substantial progress toward this goal. If our society sincerely judges its members on worth instead of birth. let us heed Attorney General Kennedys advice: The time has come for the quota system to be replaced by the merit system. Mr. President. I ask unanimous consent that this letter and my testimony before the Subcommittee on Immigration of the Senate Judiciary Committee be printed in the RECORD.