I am encouraged to think it will from the warm support the bill already has received from the many Senators who wish to cosponsor it. In fact. it is my great pleasure to announce that 29 Senators from 22 different States will join today as sponsors of the amateur radio bill. To my mind. this indicates an extensive nationwide interest in assisting our immigrant radio amateurs. Mr. President. it is right that this degree of interest exists. For the present law stands as an unfortunate legal barrier that denies many of our future citizens the full measure of trust and recognition to which they are entitled. The odd thing is that if an amateur radio hobbyist is merely visiting the United States on a tourist visa. he can operate an amateur radio station while he is here. But. once the same person decides to settle in this country. he becomes promptly disqualified from all right to enjoy his amateur radio pursuits. But this is not the only inequity presented. Unfortunately. there are other ways in which a double standard is applied to our immigrants. For example. U.S. immigrants are subject to the payment of American income tax. They also are subject to compulsory military service in the Armed Forces of the United States. And. in fact. many permanent residents who serve in the military are required to use Government radio transmitters. So. we have the unusual situation where American immigrants are trusted enough to be admitted to our shores for permanent residence. They are required to pay U.S. taxes. They are inducted into the military.
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immigrant immigrants visa