It is true that many are the people who .will agree with such a philosophy of the brotherhood and dignity of man. and men will often pay lip service to such noble ideals. but not many are those who will actually put these ideas and ideals into practice. In this and other aspects. you who are active In the ORT movement deserve much praise. You are actually giving a new and vibrant meaning to the concept of being "our brothers keeper." Another cornerstone of ORT philosophy Is the recognition of brotherhood and equality of all immigrantsrecent or old. Organizations such as yours have worked long and hard for the liberalization of the immigration laws of the United States and the abolition of that abominable national origins quota system. That quota system. you will recall. was based on the fallacious belief that the place of birth. or the racial origin of a human being. should determine the quality of mans Intellect or his moral character. or his suitability for assimilation into our Nation and our Society. The Immigration Act of 1965 has cast the discredited national origins theory. devised in 1921. on the junk pile of other obscure and inhuman ideas that have been discarded long ago. And although the reform was a long time in coming. the fruit of the lengthy labor of good organizations such as yours is sweet. The legislation enacted two years ago was a monumental step In establishing an immigration policy consistent with our times and based upon a mans family relationship and value to the United States. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all of us. we need notas we have over so many decadeshide our eyes In shame to the other nations of the world for the way we admit their people to our country. The lamp of the Statue of Liberty at the golden door has been rekindled and has banished forever those shadows that have dimmed its bright flame too long.
Identified stereotypes
National origin determines intellect and moral character.