Speech #900141633

In the field of sports. the hall of fame sounds like the Rome telephone book. * In addition to the wellknown figures in nearly every field. thousands of Italians. known only to their neighbors. have helped to make America the Nation it is today. Honest. hard work. careful attention to their family life. and a tremendous tolerance. often in the face of tremendous intolerance directed at them. have made the Italians among our most valuable citizens. The outstanding record of Italian Immigrants in America. and the injustice which now forces prospective Italian immigrants to wait at least 10 years before they are granted visas to join members of their families in the United States under fifth preference has prompted me to introduce H.R. 12274. This bill would compensate for the unfair and cumulative results of the old national origins quota system and place Italian applicants in relatively the same position as other aliens. In keeping with the spirit and purpose of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. it will help to reunite families. This Columbus Day is an appropriate time for us to consider the Italians who have followed Columbus . to the New World and to honor all those who explored and settled this land. We must not forget the great debt we owe to each of these brave men and women.