Speech #890133077

It is readily apparent. Mr. President. that under the proposed alteration in verbiage. we will facilitate the immigration of persons into our country who. to quote the 1962 panel. "often become the problem members of our society. capable only of a marginal productive role." Of course. we are told that developments in the field of mental health are such that. with careful supervision. those mentally retarded persons admitted under the new Immigration concept will be capable of assimilation into our society. The advocates of the proposed legislation assure us that the services necessary for the retarded immigrant child or adult will be provided without his becoming a public charge. But. Mr. President. I fear that the assurances of proper safeguards will not work out in ac.tual practice as they are envisioned to do so in theory. It seems to me that we are making a serious mistake if we enact legislation which will result in adding to our already increasing burden of costs and care in the field of mental health. those immigrants who have histories of some form of mental illness. We must not overlookthe fact .that each young immigrant afflicted with some form of mental illness or retardation is a potential parent of children who may inherit the same mental defects. With reference to physical health. Mr. President. anyone who has traveled very broadly throughout the world can certainly find himself. or herself. wondering whether the very vocal advocates of an open door to the promise of America truly realize what the destruction of our present national origins quota system and the elimination of the AsiaPacific triangle provisions may involve. As one example. Japan with its teeming millions. has so polluted its coastal waters that infectious hepatitis is indigenous to that area to such an extent that persons are warned against swimming in the waters. from drinking the water. from eating the seafood until it has been completely treated with heat. or otherwise. to destroy bacteria.