Speech #920194462

I would answer the gentleman from Michigan by stating that the allegation on the part of the State Department that this is reverting back to national origins is without foundation. This is not legislation that is permanent in nature. Rather. it seeks to correct inequities that occurred as a result of the national origins quota systema system whose repeal I had worked for strenuously. since I first came to the Congress. It was a great victory when this repugnant system was replaced in 1965 by the present firstcome. firstserved preference system. I will continue to vehemently oppose any return to the old system. and I can assure you that this bill does not represent such a return. Once again. this is temporary legislation and nationality is not the sole criteria for determining eligibility for a special visa under this bill.