The stature of our leadership in the free world has increased through the past three years because we have made more progress than ever before in a similar period to assure our citizens equality in justice, in opportunity and in civil rights.  We must expand this effort on every front.  We must strive to have every person judged and measured by what he is, rather than by his color, race or religion.  There will soon be recommended to the Congress a program further to advance the efforts of the Government, within the area of Federal responsibility, to accomplish these objectives.

One particular challenge confronts us.  In the Hawaiian Islands, East meets West.  To the Islands, Asia and Europe and the Western Hemisphere, all the continents, have contributed their peoples and their cultures to display a unique example of a community that is a successful laboratory in human brotherhood.

Statehood, supported by the repeatedly expressed desire of the Islands’ people and by our traditions, would be a shining example of the American way to the entire earth.  Consequently, I urgently request this Congress to grant statehood for Hawaii.  Also, in harmony with the provisions I last year communicated to the Senate and House Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs, I trust that progress toward statehood for Alaska can be made in this Session.

Progress is constant toward full integration of our Indian citizens into normal community life.  During the past two years the Administration has provided school facilities for thousands of Indian children previously denied this opportunity.  We must continue to meet the needs of increased numbers of Indian children.  Provision should also be made for the education of adult Indians whose schooling in earlier years was neglected.

In keeping with our responsibility of world leadership and in our own self interest, I again point out to the Congress the urgent need for revision of the immigration and nationality laws.  Our nation has always welcomed immigrants to our shores.  The wisdom of such a policy is clearly shown by the fact that America has been built by immigrants and the descendants of immigrants.  That policy must be continued realistically with present day conditions in mind.

I recommend that the number of persons admitted to this country annually be based not on the 1920 census but on the latest, the 1950 census.  Provision should be made to allow for greater flexibility in the use of quotas so if one country does not use its share, the vacancies may be made available for the use of qualified individuals from other countries.

The law should be amended to permit the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to waive the requirements of fingerprinting on a reciprocal basis for persons coming to this country for temporary visits.  This and other changes in the law are long overdue and should be taken care of promptly.  Detailed recommendations for revision of the immigration laws will be submitted to the Congress.