Sen, Kennedy Calls Jewish Exit from Rumania a ‘special Situation’

Sen. John F. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, said today that it has not yet been determined how to meet the problem of Jewish emigration from Rumania because “they are not being driven out by political pressure and are voluntary emigrants.”

He spoke at a Senate press conference in connection with proposals he announced for revision of the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act. The Senator termed the new Jewish emigration “a special situation for a number of reasons. ” He said it must be examined and discussed before ways to aid the emigrants may be found.

The legislation proposed by Sen. Kennedy would replace the national origins quota system based on the U.S. 1920 population with a formula linked with the blood relationship between citizens and resident aliens already here and those who seek admittance.

It would also grant non-quota status to parents, minor children, and spouses of citizens and resident aliens; make available funds for resettlement projects in Latin America; extend the law permitting adoption of orphans on a non-quota basis, and extend the law permitting tubercular relatives on a non-quota basis.

Sen. Kennedy urged creation of a joint congressional committee on immigration policy. The committee would study administration of immigration laws and world conditions having a bearing on America’s immigration and nationality policy.

Another resolution he would place, before the Senate would authorize the Attorney General to use parole provisions of the basic law to fulfill foreign policy objectives of the United States in the refugee and immigration field.

He made known that he has discussed his new proposals with Rep. Francis Walter, chairman of the House Immigration Subcommittee, with a view to introduction of companion legislation in the House. Sen. Kennedy said Rep. Walter expressed interest and further consultation is anticipated.