Speech #890002201

Mr. Speaker. today I have introduced the administrations Immigration bill. President Johnsons proposal. as did President Kennedys -which I also sponsored. represents a new departure and a giant step forward in the direction of a humane and sensible immigration policy. January 14. 19 65 COl Before World War I our Nation. as the land of freedom. was looked upon as a haven for the oppressed where all were welcome to develop their potential in a democratic society. And our Nation was enriched by those who came from foreigfi lands. However. after World War I. the word "foreigner" became an epithet as fear. anxiety. and xenophobia gripped our land. In this atmosphere. a highly restrictive immigration policy based on the 1920 census was born. The national origins quota system based on a judgment that people from one nation are better than people from another is still with us today. As President Johnson said yesterday in his immigration message. "We have no right to disparage the ancestors of millions of our fellow Americans in this way." The President also pointed out with respect to the national origins quota system. "Relationships with a number of countries. and hence the success of our foreign policy. is needlessly impeded by this proposition." The administrations immigration bill eliminates the invidious national origins quota system over a 5year period. With the passage of this measure. the results of the 1920 census will no longer shape our immigration policy. The bill also deals with the backlog of applications accumulated over the years in a number of our consulates abroad by providing for the administration of those on the waiting list during the transitional period and by weeding out those who are not serious applicants. This measure will benefit our Nation by providing for the admission on a preferential basis of those whose skills would be advantageous to the economy.