Speech #890139857

Lyndon B. Johnson deserve an accolade for their efforts in this field. It is in no small measure due to the efforts of both of these Presidents that we have arrived today at the historic point of passage of an immigration reform bill which abolishes the national origins quota system. I join now with those who give deserved credit to President Johnson and our late President Kennedy. Mr. President. a cherished hope of many Members of this body. as well as many of the people of this great Nation. was realized today in the Senates strong affirmative vote abolishing the national origins quota system in our immigration laws. This is. indeed. a historic occasion marking the culmination of the efforts of many. including all of our recent Presidents. The national origins quota system was inequitable. But the mere abolition of that system was not enough. a workable and just substitute had to be found. Mr. President. in this bill. through the unselfish efforts of many. such a substitute is embodied. The new system of allocation is based on a system of preferences extending equal opportunity to all nationalities. demonstrating the humanity of this great nation and its continuing dedication to freedom. and yetand this is of prime importancefulfilling the needs of or own country. Priority in the issuance of immigrant visas is given to close relatives of U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. to aliens who are members of the professions. arts or sciences. to skilled or unskilled laborers who are actually needed in the United States. and to refugees fleeing religious or political persecution or seeking refuge from the chaos of natural disasters. Mr. President. not enough can be said in support of these goals. I will. however. conclude these brief comments on the substance of this bill by saying that through it America will continue to be a beacon to the world. It will continue to merit the praise of the German farmer who. as quoted in the late President Kennedys perceptive book. "A Nation of Immigrants." wrote from his new home in Missouri in 1834: If you wish to see our whole family living n * * * a country where freedom of speech obtains. where no spies are eavesdropping. where no simpletons criticize your every word and seek to detect therein a venom that might endanger the life of the state. the church. and the home. in short. if you wish to be really happy and independent. then come here. It is especially appropriate. in view of the very particular interest of the late beloved President Kennedy in reform of our immigration laws. that this measure should be managed by the junior Senator from Massachusetts . But as the Senator from Massachusetts has more than amply demonstrated. there were also excellent reasons on the merits why that assignment was so made. Senator KENNEDY has proven himself to be one of the most well prepared and skilled of floor managers.