Speech #890119533

We will be able to replace such procedures with a formula which allows the transfer of unfilled quotas to oversubscribed countries. We will be able to establish a preference priority system which is responsive to the many difficult cases where families are separated on account of inflexible statutes and administration. Likewise will a revised immigration policy allow us to make naturalization procedures directly responsive to labor needs and requirements. Two real purposes are being served by such legislation. On the one hand. we are taking direct steps to eliminate injustices. to set right unethical practices. to replace insensitivity and discrimination with concern and equity. This is symbolized by the abolition of the national origins system and the AsiaPacific triangle provisions. On the other hand. we are injecting reason and convenience into procedures which have been the victims of disordered formulas and reactioning administration. Thus. for example. we will be setting a limitation of 170.000 on the number of immigrants to be admitted to the United States in any 1 year. and will be placing ceilings of 20.000 on immigration from any one foreign country in any 1 year. Thus also will we construct a system of priorities which will be responsive to the claims of family. by giving first preference to unmarried adult children of American citizens and spouses and unmarried children of alien residents. This new selection system will be based upon a principle of first come. first served. Up to now. our immigration policy has been inconsistent with our own democratic past. and destructive of future interests and obligations. It has compromised our foreign policy by its discriminatory provisions. The new program. which has had the careful and deliberate attention of experts in the executive branch and in the Congress. will return to naturalization procedures the sense of fairness. opportunity. and national pride which lies at the root of this Nation of immigrants.