Expressing himself in favor of “closing the gates of immigration until the war is over, and until our boys who are in this war get back home,” Representative John Rankin (Democrat of Mississippi) speaking on the floor of Congress, opposed the passing of a bill permitting the naturalization of certain categories of persons whose sons or daughters served in the armed forces of the United States.
Representative Eugene Cox (Democrat from Georgia) who introduced the bill, explained that the main purpose was to waive the filing of the declaration of intentions to become a citizen, in those instances. Representative Forest A. Harness (Republican from Indiana) stated that “America has profited richly through its acquisitions of peoples of foreign stock.”
Representative Samuel Dickstein (Democrat from New York) charged that there seemed to be a well organized bloc in the House, determined to bring the defeat of any and all legislation recommended by the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. In a later reference, the representative stated. “There is too much fighting over legislation that comes from certain committees, too much objection to certain racial groups.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
