Speech #890119660

The American Nation today stands as eloquent proof that there is no inherent contradiction between unity and diversity. And the peoples coming to our shore have been seekers only of the very objectives upon which our Nation was foundedhuman dignity and opportunity. An argument repeatedly raised against immigration reform is that it would contribute to unemployment here. But this stems from the old days of mass immigration when there was a tendency for Immigrants to accept lower wages and Inferior working conditions. In these days of strong unions and Government safeguards. these dangers have largely disappeared. And it is important to emphasize that immigrants today are generally not the uneducated. unskilled peo7 ple who came here in the past. Quota immigrant workers are predominantly educated and skilled. Moreover. it is estimated that only about one immigrant out of three additional immigrants who would be admitted would enter the labor market. In testimony on this legislation last year. then Attorney General Kennedy stated that "immigrants today bring to this country and spend a great deal more than they take in wages." In his message to Congress this year President Johnson said the quota system "is incompatible with our basic American tradition." And earlier President Kennedy stated. in urging its elimination. that it "neither satisfies a national need nor accomplishes an international purpose." Mr. Chairman. the bill before us today is the result of painstaking study and review of our immigration policy. Extensive hearings were held last year. as well as during March. April.