Speech #890216224

Mr. President. the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 has been operating since last December 1. As Senators know. this act eliminates the national origins quota system. and. of key importance. removes many barriers to the reunion of families. The record will indicate that substantial progress is being made in the area of family unity. and with a minimum of problems and delays. For expediting these provisions of the new law. the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Department of State deserve our thanks and commendation. I know of longstanding cases involving citizens of Massachusetts with close relatives abroad which have been closed. and I am sure the story is repeated across America. A number of difficulties. however. have developed from the provisions of section 212(a) (14). which requires special labor certification for most potential immigrants other than relatives. In the case of immigration from Western Hemisphere countries. some relative categories are also covered by these provisions. Primarily affected. however. are prospective immigrants in the sixth preference and nonpreference categories. The sixth preference provides for individuals who are capable of performing specified skilled or unskilled labor. not of a temporary or seasonal nature. for which a shortage of employable persons exists in the United States. The labor provisions may also apply to certain prospective immigrants who would appear to fall in the third preference category. but who do not adequately meet the standards established by the Department of Labor. The third preference is available for professionals or persons of exceptional ability in the arts and sciences. In view of the widespread feelings in the implementation of section 212(a) (14) and my personal concern that the new immigration law be administered efficiently and effectively in all aspects. I sent a communication to Secretary of Labor Wirtz requesting that he review the implementation of this section. On March 29. the Secretary replied to my letter. and he recognized that improvement was needed.