Speech #880295545

This measure is one of a number of actions which have distinguished Senator KEATING in the eyes of the Italian community. Throughout his 18 years In the Congress. the Rochester Republican has earned the plaudits of Americans of Italian descent by his espousal of causes in their interest. Foremost among these legislative achievements are his dedicated efforts to reform and to liberalize the immigration laws which discriminate against the people of Italy and other Mediterranean countries. In both the House and the Senate. he has made it possible for many individual Italians to enter the United States. through his introduction of private bills in their behalf. and through his intervention with the immigration authorities. Referring to Senator KEATINGS helpful efforts in the case of one young Italian. Capt. Vincent Rossini. the national director of the American Bill of Rights Day Association. wrote: You. better than others in Congress. showed and proved a deep interest for a man who deserves help. sympathy. and assistance for himself and his family. * * * We wish to extend to you again the sincerest thanks of many. many Americans of Italian origin. Senator KEAT1NGs efforts in immigration were recognized by the American Committee on Italian Migration which bestowed upon him a special citation for "his outstanding contribution to the liberalization of the immigration laws of the United States." The Societa Valguarnera of Rochester made him an honorary president "in recognition for services rendered to the ItalianAmerican people of the United States of America." In July of 1959. Senator KEATING wrote to Attorney General William Rogers obJecting to the defamation of Americans of Italian origin by associating them with criminal gang activities given wide publicity by the Mafia hearings. The Attorney Generals sympathetic reply prompted this comment on Senator KEATINGS efforts by the Italian News of Boston.