Somewhere we are going to have to say very simply "no." That time is here. We must establish a limitation of numbers. But we must do it in a manner which does not interrupt our normal immigration flow plus the existing Cuban and the planned Indochinese refugees. and in a sense then there will really not be an effective limit. There are over 15 million people that are said to qualify to come to these shores under the most strict political refugee definition. There are tens of millions more that are suffering and dying out of their poverty. But I have concluded that we must set a limit. Atsome point we will have to take the step. knowing full well that we may be condemning some people to miserable lives and possible death. When we talk about numbers unfortunate connotations often enter the debate. Proponents of an "open arms" policy are using terms like "compassion." "caring." and "our noble heritage." Those who embrace the immigration program of "selectivity" are sometimes hurled the challenge of racism and the advice that they should share in the "national guilt" that would accompany this hardhearted attitude. Dealing in that fashion will not solve the issue. The Select Commission will hopefully provide a great boost to the national debate and our recommendations will be coming forth in the next few months.
Keywords matched
immigration refugee refugees