Speech #970274871

At this time. the program was once again formally enacted by Congress but finally terminated by the United States on December 31. 1964. This program was accompanied by numerous protections but once again there was a failure to enforce these protections. Throughout this time. and after final termination we find that illegal immigration began to grow with many of these workers. once being exposed to the economic opportunities of this country. choosing to remain illegally. I provided this brief historical overview to underscore the fact that the primary reason for temporary workers has always been the cheap labor they provide to primarily southwest agricultural employers. and not for the purposes to quell illegal flows. If anything. the history proves that such a program has fostered and increased the growth of undocumented workers in the United States. Also. It demonstrates that while the Mexicans were and continue to be desirable as laborers. but not as settlers. this country will do anything to secure their employment in the United States without effectively protecting their rights as workers and human beings. This is not meant to be a dramatic statement but rather one of fact. for during this history. the Dillingham Commission Report of 1911 described Mexicans as being undesireable as settlers because of their Indianlike characteristics. their low level of skill. the view that they were and are illiterate. but if you wanted Mexicans to work for cheap wages. the door appeared to be wide open formally or informally. and you did not have to worry about their rights. Recognizing this history. we now examine the present factors which create a tremendous push from foreign countries to the United States. I feel very strongly that considering the historical role we have played in encouraging undocumented flow. that we not commit a grave error in not fully acknowledging the major reasons why people are continually migrating to this country.