Speech #930120737

Italy. France. Greece. and every other country of the Western Hemisphere have found that an annual per country maximum of 20.000 visas is sufficient. Currently there is no significant wait for admission by qualifying aliens in any country in the Eastern Hemisphere except the Philippines. H.R. 981 will set the same equal numerical ceiling for Western Hemisphere countries. Thus we will have no discrimination and no favoritism. All aliens desiring admission to this great country will be treated equally without reference to place of origin. I will oppose any attempt to give favored treatment or additional visa numbers to the natives of any country. Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to call attention to another significant feature of this bill. It does not increase the maximum number of immigrants who may be admitted. While provisions are included to regularize the status of Cuban refugees and certain aliens in the Virgin Islands. it is important to note that these aliens have already been accepted in this country so no additional admissions will result. The existing maximum number of visas which may be issued170.000 for the Eastern Hemisphere plus 120.000 for the Western Hemisphereis unchanged. In view of the extent of unemployment in the United States today. along with the many other economic and social problems requiring solution. I believe our society can best face up to its challenges without opening our doors to increased immigration at this time. This is a good bill. Mr.