Speaker. I am happy to join my colleague. BILL RYAN. in his special order today in support of our legislation to make additional visas available to nationals of countries where the average immigration has sharply declined as a result of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. In a week which has seen not only the great Irish celebration of St. Patricks Day. but also the appointment of our Ambassador to Ireland. I think it is altogether fitting to discuss the problem facing Irish immigration. Before the 1965 act was enacted. an average of 7.000 Irish men and women immigrated to this country each year. Since 1965. however. this figure has been sharply curtailed. with the result that from July 1. 1968. to December 31. 1968. only 72 preference and nonpreference visas were issued in Dublin. Our bill. H.R. 165. enables nations whose immigration has dropped below 75 percent of their yearly average during the 10year base period of 195665. to be given additional spaces to bring their total up to the 75percent level. As a cosponsor of the 1965 legislation. I worked to see our immigration laws liberalized. It was certainly not my intent. or the Intent of Congress. to keep any nation from getting Its fair share of visas. Therefore. I urge today that we take action on this legislation to restore to nations such as Ireland their rightful place in our immigration program.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration visas immigrated