Dickstein and Copeland Near Break over Latter’s Support of Metcalf Technician Bill

An open break between Congressman Dickstein of New York and Senator Copeland of New York, an intimation of which was given when Mr. Dickstein criticised the senior senator from New York following the hearing of the Blease alien registration bill, now appears to be imminent as a result of Senator Copeland’s action in supporting and undertaking to write a favorable report on behalf of the Senate Immigration Committee on the Metcalf skilled technicians bill.

This bill gives immigrants of certain occupations required by American employers preference on a selective immigration basis within that half of the quota now reserved for preference to parents, husbands of American citizens who were married subsequent to May 31, 1928, and skilled agriculturists.

It is Congressman Dickstein’s contention that Senator Copeland, who has been considered the leading friend of immigration in the Senate, should not only have refused his support to the bill but should have vigorously opposed it since it will, according to Mr. Dickstein, particularly injure the chances of parents of American citizens securing preference visas by adding more preferences to the present overburdened preference classes.

Congressman Dickstein expressed surprise and resentment that Senator Copeland should endorse what in effect would be the first opening wedge in the selective immigration plan, before the friends of immigration had an opportunity to confer with him to decide what attitude should be adopted to the selective immigration plan.

As soon as he learned of Senator Copeland’s espousal of the Metcalf bill, Congressman Dickstein wrote to Senator Copeland pointing out his objections to the bill and urging him to reconsider his (Copeland’s) position. Senator Copeland replied with only an acknowledgement of the letter.