Speech #930015388

Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise the House that Subcommittee No. 1 of the Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled hearings on March 21 and 22. 1973. to consider legislation which would establish a preference system for immigrants from the Western Hemisphere. The hearings will be held in room 2237. Rayburn House Office Building. and will begin each day at 10 a.m. These hearings will also be concerned with the modification of the present preference system as well as the need for a worldwide numerical ceiling on immigration. As my colleagues are well aware. the present 120.000 limitation on Western Hemisphere immigration and the lack of a preference system for this hemisphere have resulted in innumerable hardships for potential immigrants. The Western Hemisphere ceiling was 411 conceived and hastily considered. In fact. it became effective in July 1968. despite the recommendation of the Select Commission on Western Hemisphere Immigration that a further study of this matter was required. As a result. there is presently a 20month backlog and it is not anticipated that this backlog will be reduced. since the demand for immigrant visas continues to increase at a rapid rate. Moreover. it is quite evident that the lack of a preference system for the Western Hemisphere has placed intending Eastern Hemisphere immigrants in a preferential position and has thereby created an attitude of resentment among many countries of the Western Hemisphere. In addition to the March 21 and 22 hearings. my subcommittee plans a comprehensive study of all aspects of the Western Hemisphere immigration problem. Further hearings will be announced at a future date. Members of Congress and other interested parties who wish to testify or submit statements for inclusion in the hearing record should address their requests to Subcommittee No. 1.