The perioo for which aliens may be admitted to the United States as visitors is not limited to six months and may be extended to one year or even longer, according to an explanation of this phase of the immigration law contained in a letter written to Senator Fletcher of Florida by Acting Commissioner General of Immigration, George J. Harris.
Mr. Harris explaining portions applying to alien visitors stated:
“While aliens admitted to the United States temporarily must depart in accordance with the terms imposed by examining officers, or by this Department, the period for which aliens may be admitted as visitors is not limited by law or regulations to six months. Immigration officers at the ports of entry to this country are vested with authority to admit an alien as a visitor for a period not in excess of one year. However, citizens of Canada, or British subjects domiciled therein, who apply for permission to enter for less than six months, may be admitted without the presentation of American consular visas and without passports.
“Of course, where it is apparent that such an alien visitor intends to remain here more than six months, the foregoing visa exemption can not be extended. I may also add that head tax money deposited by citizens of Canada and British subjects, who have been domiciled therein for one year immediately preceding their entry into this country, is refunded to them by officers of the Immigration Service, upon the presentation, within seven months from the date of entry, of proof of departure within six months therefrom.
“Aliens admitted to the United States for temporary periods are at liberty to apply for permission to prolong their sojourns, and they may receive such permission, if good cause therefor exists, and it is shown that they have not abandoned their bona fide visitor status,” Mr. Harris declared.
The letter, which was made public by the Senator, related to previous correspondence dealing with the status of wealthy Canadians who spend the winter months in Florida and some of whom wished to remain for more than six months and were under the impression that their sojourns were limited to that period.
Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin, President I.O.B.B District Number 4, has designated Sunday September 2d as B’nai Brith Day at the Pacific Southwest Exposition at Long Beach California.
Communications have been sent throughout the district inviting the Lodge members to attend that day.
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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.
