Speech #890120797

Mr. Chairman. the bill before us represents a tremendous step forward in establishing a reasonable and just immigration policy generally treating all applicants whatever their origin on the same basis. Similar treatment for those similarly situated is the touchstone of democracy. By this measure the national origins quota system fell far short. In changing the law today. we should remove an impediment which has been an unnecessary detriment in our relations with many countries around the world. There will be those who will sayindeed they have already saidthat this bill will open our gates to hordes of undesirable aliens. It will do no such thing. With only minor exceptions there are no changes in the pages of restrictions. safeguards and guarantees already in the lawbooks. against such happenings. The maximum permissible immigration will not exceed approximately 2.000 more under the new bill than is now permitted. It actually is expected to increase somewhat more than that figure because of the elimination of the quotas. some of which have not been filled. But. in any event. there will be no "hordes" invading our shores. It is interesting and informative to observe that in recent years twice as many people have been admitted into this country through special legislation as have come in under the quota system. Refugee legislation is one example. special bills on the private calendar coming before us periodically are another. This legislation should eliminate the pressures for such bills. minimizing the work of the Judiciary Committee and the Congress. For a year or so now I have been unofficial objector on the private calendar. I am still repelled by the thought that special consideration. not only in regard to financial claims against the Government of one sort or another. but also with regard to such important considerations as who shall or shall not be admitted to this country. depends not on a law of general application to everyone. but on whether or not the claimant or applicant is fortunate enough to know a Member of Congress or smart enough to become acquainted with one. I do not have available at the moment the precise number of private bills which fall into this category. but the passage of this legislation should. as I say. substantially reduce the work of the Judiciary Committee and this Congress in considering such legislation and result in a much fairer immigration policy. I. of course. do not consider this to be a perfect piece of legislation. I have supported and intend to further support the socalled MacGregor amendment. to set a numerical limitation on immigrants from the Western Hemisphere. The arguments in support of this amendment seem to me to be the most cogent. Those in opposition most unpersuasive.