Dickstein in Warsaw; to Investigate Consulate on Matter of Visas to Jews

Congressman Samuel Dickstein, chairman of the Immigration Committee of the House of Representatives, is now in Warsaw, on an investigation of the alleged tactics of American medical officials attached to the American consulate here, who are charged with holding up visas to Jews.

Congressman Dickstein is the author of the bill passed by both houses of Congress which admits husbands of American Citizens, married up until July 1, 1932, to the United States, outside of the quota, and has sponsored other immigration measures designed to prevent hardship among families owing to the immigration restrictions.

In a statement issued by Congressman Dickstein upon his arrival, he charged that some 600 husbands and wives of American citizens who could be admitted to the United States under the existing immigration laws are promised visas which are withheld because they are unable to pass medical tests, which he termed unduly severe and sometimes unfair. These tests fall into two categories, physical and mental, and American physicians are accused of anti-Semitism.

Congressman Dickstein said that information that has come to him from prospective immigrants indicates that the questions are designed for the purpose of disqualifying the applicants.

A favorite question, according to the prospective immigrants is how many feathers has a goose, or has a young chicken blue or yellow feet, or whether the Chineses have red or green hair.

Congresesman Dickstein who is planning a two weeks stay in Warsaw said he would assemble “a board of inquiry here and I shall be present at a few examinations myself. If I am dissatisfied with the methods of the examinations, I shall ask to have the general medical officer controlling the United States service in Europe sent to Warsaw. I shall also probably invite some local specialists to inspect the most doubtful cases.”