Speech #910011931

Mr. Speaker. I rise to speak in support of H.R. 3239 which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act so that section 212 will operate as it did before the 1965 amendments. An alien seeking to enter the United States to perform skilled or unskilled labor under section 212. must now prove that his addition to the labor force will not glut the market and depress wages. Such burden of proof. with the expense and delay to the immigrant even if he does satisfy it. is unjustified. The burden excludes deserving immigrants from coming to our Nation which was originally built by immigrants labor. In response to the plight of such wouldbe immigrants who ask only for the opportunity to contribute their energy and talents to Americas industrial might. I introduced H.R. 3239 at the outset of this Congress. At the same time the bill relieves the immigration applicant of the unreasonable burden of proof. it insures the same present protection against an inflated labor supply. H.R. 3239 provides that protection by allowing admittance under labor preference only if the Secretary of Labor does not make the affirmative finding that a market does not exist in the United States for the applicants particular skill. Under H.R. 3239. as under present law. no alien would be admitted if his addition to the labor force might tend to adversely affect wages or other working conditions.