Speech #890120775

Chairman. I rise in support of the legislation introduced by the distinguished gentleman from New York. H.R. 2580. calling for farreaching and muchneeded immigration reform. It is imperative that this body take effective action to bring our immigration policy into balance with 20th century Americas position in the world. We must be realistic. In the volatile area of world relations. it is difficult enough to maintain a peaceful balance. without the unnecessary millstone of an outmoded and outdated immigration policy hanging around our necks. It is clear to me that in a world where the old concepts of ethnic discrimination are rapidly being erased. the United States could rightly be charged with refusing to be realistic if current American immigration policies are maintained any longer. Mr. Chairman. there is also an obvious humanitarian problem created by our current immigration policy. It is well known to everyone in this body. that because of the manner in which the national quota systems are devised. many countries come nowhere near filling their quotas while others have an unending waiting list. In my own district. I can refer you to a particularly heartrending case which I am sure is repeated many times across the land. A young man of Greek extraction. who immigrated to this country several years ago. and took up residence in my district. has been able to establish himself in his community. He is now in a position to support his widowed mother. who remains alone in Greece. She has been trying for 2 years to get an immigration clearance to America to join her son. but has so far been unsuccessful. Mr. Chairman. under the discriminatory immigration policy now maintained by the United States. it is doubtful that this poor lady will be reunited with her nearest kin. It is in a case such as this. multiplied a thousand time across the land. where the need for reform is made obvious. The President has come forward and wholeheartedly endorsed this legislation because he realizes that current policy must be revised.