Speaker. I should like to take this opportunity to commend my colleague. the distinguished gentleman from New York . and to associate myself with his remarks. I share his concern that the Immigration Act of 1965 which generally improved and liberalized our immigration laws should inadvertently cause hardship in countries such as Ireland which have contributed so greatly to the composition of our population and to its quality. vigor. and special character. It is equally significant that the remedy which is proposed in no way adversely affects any nation whose immigration position was improved by the 1965 amendments. It. in effect. permits the entry of an additional 20.000 to 30.000 immigrants worldwide annually and permits the continued flow of immigrants from Ireland and other affected northern and western European countries. This is remedial legislation which extends the concepts of freer immigration embodied in the 1965 amendments and permits us to continue to benefit from the infusion of new peoples into our national life and culture. It is unthinkable that in accomplishing this goal in 1965 we should stifle the flow of Irish immigration. creativity. and that special luster which the Irish have given this Nation. It is more unthinkable if we do not act expeditiously in correcting this matter.
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