Speech #890139822

I certainly would wish to have that kind of operation permitted in the future. What I object to is imposing no limitations. insofar as areas of the earth are concerned. but saying that we are throwing the doors open and equally inviting people from the Orient. from the islands of the Pacific. from the subcontinent of Asia. from the Near East. from all of Africa. all of Europe. and all of the Western Hemisphere. on exactly the same basis. I am inviting attention to the fact that this is a complete and radical departure from what has always heretofore been regarded as sound principles of immigration. That is the only point to which I invite attention. I am thoroughly within my rights in doing so. The people of my State are very much concerned about this matter. My mail also indicates that not only my people but a great many people from many other States are deeply concerned about it. I might say to my distinguished friend from Rhode Island. who has talked about Americanism. that highly patriotic bodies such as veterans groups have gone on record as being decidedly against this radical change in our system of immigration. I invite attention to that. I have no objection to any Senator voting his convictions. and I hope that every Senator will vote his convictions--whatever they may be.