Speech #890002389

January 25. so that others who wish to may join in sponsoring it. Also. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Presidents immigration message. the text of the bill. and a sectionbysection analysis of the bill be printed at the conclusion of my remarks. It is to be expected many Inquiries concerning the bill will be made of the Members of the Senate. I hope this record will be of help in making replies. Mr. President. the time has long passed for the Congress to act to change our basic immigration quota system. The new immigration policies proposed by President Johnson are designed to meet the modern manpower needs of the Nation. support our foreign policy objectives. and reflect the humanitarian principles which the American people have so often supported in meeting urgent refugee and emergency immigration needs. It is my belief that the vast majority of Americans long ago rejected the narrow. fearridden view that is reflected in the continuance of an immigration policy based on the national origins concept. Most of our citizens agree with the President that a qualified newcomer to our shores should not be asked where he was born or how he spells his name. but rather what he can do for America. I would like to comment. Mr. President. that the junior Senator from Massachusetts . who is not able to be here today. telephoned to assure me of his full support for this immigration reform bill. and offered to participate and cooperate in any way that can be helpful in bringing this legislation to the Senate floor this session. and in obtaining final congressional approval. Since coming to the Senate. and before. Senator KENNEDY has been one of the most outstanding and loyal supporters for immigration reform. He carries on in a very great tradition. for there were few subjects more personally sensitive to President Kennedy than the prejudice and discrimination of the national origins quota system. All of us are grateful for the support and cooperation of our good friend from Massachusetts. and each of us wish him the very best in his final phase of recuperation from his most unfortunate accident. I know he intends to return to the Senate next week and has indicated to me that one of the first orders of business for him will be to make a major statement on behalf of this immigration bill. and the need for immigration reform. I look forward with great anticipation to that statement. because Iand I am sure most of the Senatewill not soon forget that moving and powerful statement he delivered last year on behalf of the civil rights bill which I feel had tremendous national and international effect. and greatly aided the cause of equality and justice in our Nation. We will be working with Senator KENNEDY in the days ahead toward what I hope will be a successful conclusion to this longstanding battle for immigration reform. With the introduction of this bill. I ask the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee to promptly schedule administration and public witnesses who wish to be heard on this legislation.