Speech #890139736

The fourth and fifth preferences come down to different family relationships. The sixth preference is for skilled and unskilled labor. The seventh preference goes to refugees. Even those who will come in under the third and sixth preferences. it should be noted that the provisions that will be applied to them will be more stringent than those applicable under the requirements of current law. I believe we have been able to give assurances. certainly to the AFLCIO and all the other groups that have been interested and have the responsibility of looking after the welfare of the jobs of American industry. that they will be not only protected in the labor market. but those who come in under these categories would not affect labor standards or conditions under which *they would work. We have had considerable testimony on this subject in committee. The case on it has been very convincing. I read from page 15 of the committee report: Under the provision of existing law con-. tained in section 212(a) (14) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. foreign labor is subject to exclusion only when the Secretary of Labor certifies that either (1) there are sufficient workers in the United States who are able. willing. available. and qualified at the aliens destination to perform the skilled or unskilled labor. or (2) that the employment of the alien will adversely affect the wages and working conditions of the workers in the United States. This has the effect of excluding any intending immigrant within the scope of the certification who would likely displace a qualified American worker or whose employment in the United States would adversely affect the wages and working conditions of workers similarly employed in the United States. Under the instant bill. this procedure is substantially changed. The primary responsibility is placed upon the intending immigrant to obtain the Secretary of Labors clearance prior to the issuance of a visa establishing (1) that there are not sufficient workers in the United States at the aliens destination who are able. willing. and qualified to perform the skilled or unskilled labor and (2) that the employment of the alien will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of U.S. citizens similarly employed. The provision is applicable to immigrants from the Western Hemisphere. other than immediate relatives. nonpreference immigrants. and those preference immigrants who seek entrance into the United States for the primary purpose of gainful employment. whether in a semiskilled or skilled category or as a member of the professions. arts. or sciences. The certification must be obtained in individual cases before a visa may be issued to the intending immigrant. These are the safeguards which are provided so far as the working people are concerned.