Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Bill Against Uruguay’s “open Door” Immigration Policy Believed Doomed

February 11, 1942
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A law severely curtailing immigration into Uruguay, which is now before the Senate after having been passed by the House, may be shelved, it was learned here today. The measure was introduced several months ago by Representative Armando Pirotto.

While the 15 Herreristas in Uruguay’s 30-seat Senate reportedly favor the measure, it’s passage is considered highly unlikely because of the virtual cessation of all legislative activity due to the fact that the attention of all Congressmen is now concentrated on the forthcoming presidential elections. Unless some unforeseen emergency compels action on the bill during the next few weeks, it may be considered as being already dead.

Under the Constitution, a new bill will have to be presented to the new Congress in April and this must again pass the House. There is little probability that either will occur. The new Congress will contain a strong contingent of Ballista Colorados who have been absent from the legislative scene for a number of years due to that group’s abstention from presenting candidates. One of this faction’s traditional policies is that of the “Open Door” and they are certain to oppose any such measure. Besides, the Blancoacevedistas, another Colorado Party faction, headed by presidential candidate Dr. Eduardo Blanco Acevedo, are also opposed to placing limitations on immigration.

This combination of two strong blocs is expected to provide sufficient opposition to any attempt to limit the free ingress of useful labor into the country.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement