Mr. Speaker. one of the unfortunate results of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 has been a sharp decrease in the number of immigrants from the Republic of Ireland. The number of visas actually issued for Irish nationals has dropped from 4.619 in 1964 to 1.809 in 1967. One reason for this is section 212 (a) (14) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which makes it mandatory for a potential immigrant to obtain a labor certificate stating that his entry will not displace an American worker. When you add to this provision. section 204(a). which makes it mandatory for sixth preference immigrants. skilled and unskilled workers. to be admitted only after their employer in this country requests a visa. it is easy to see why Irish immigration to the United States has dwindled. Mr. Speaker. Irish immigration has enriched this Nation from our earliest days. and I for one would not want to close the door to Irish immigrants. Because Ireland is an Englishspeaking nation and its customs and institutions are so close to our own. the Irish immigrant tends to become assimilated very rapidly. Because Ireland is a poor country and so many of its most energetic sons and daughters do emigrate. I would like to see these young people come to our shores. Surely. this is good for Ireland. but it is good for America as well.
Identified stereotypes
Irish immigrants assimilate rapidly and are energetic.