Mr. Speaker. on January 16. I was pleased to join with my distinguished colleague from New York . in cosponsoring legislation to correct the inequitable immigration situations arising from the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. With the transition from a quota to a preference system. countries which have traditionally contributed large numbers of immigrants are now experiencing a decline of overwhelming proportions. The country hardest hit by the revision is Ireland. which averaged 7.000 immigrants annually prior to the change. In 1965 and 1966. this rate dropped to nearly 25 percent and the full impact of the act reduced this figure even further. Under the provisions of the bill. any country whose immigration has dropped below 75 percent of its yearly average during the 10year base period 195665. would be allocated additional spaces sufficient to raise its total to this 75 percent figure. The annual allotment would not exceed 10.000. and countries whose immigration rate increased would not be affected. It is estimated that In about 10 years. the preference system should equalize sufficiently so as not to require this emergency measure.
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