H.R. 2580 extends this principle. and rightly so. to individuals of all races and nationalities in their opportunity to become American citizens. Mr. President. it would be an evident contradiction for this Congress. which has enacted the most effective civil and voting rights legislation since the Reconstruction era. to.maintain our present immigration quota system and thereby deny the validity of the basic principles we have previously enunciated. The present quota system. which would within 3 years be eliminated by enactment of H.R. 2580. is not only unwise and inequitable. it is also shortsighted and selfdefeating of the national interest. The only criteria which should be applied to immigrants to this country are those which are addressed to the capabilites and talents of the individual and not to the country of his origin. For only in this way will we be assured that new citizens of this country will bring potential enrichment to our society rather than mere uniformity with the present population balance.
Keywords matched
quota system immigration immigrants