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28-man Body Named to Probe Status of Aliens in Mexico; Espionage Encouraged

February 4, 1938
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The Interior Ministry has appointed a 28-man commission to examine aliens’ documents and ascertain whether they are engaged in the occupations set forth when they entered Mexico. Of 120 immigration permits so far annulled, informed sources said, only two were those of Jews.

The Jewish Chamber of Commerce has denied in a press statement assertions by anti-Semitic sources that most Jews entered Mexico to engage in agriculture and then turned to trade and industry. Most of the Jews entering Mexico declared their intention of becoming merchants and industrialists, and only a few said they would become farmers, the statement said.

Pending completion of the Government’s investigation, the Foreign Ministry has stated, no further citizenship papers will be issued. Meanwhile, the Government has declared in a press statement that “it is the duty of every Mexican to inform the Government about every illegally-entered or undesirable immigrant in the country.”

The Government’s drive against aliens has provoked mixed reaction here. Deputy Ismael Falcon, sponsor of a measure for severe restrictions of aliens’ activities, praises the drive in a statement to El Nacional. However, Excelsior, usually regarded as anti-Semitic, states editorially that while, in general, it does not desire Jewish immigration, law-abiding Jews already in Mexico should not be interfered with.

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