Special consideration for refugees “within the present quotas and without amendment to the law,” as advocated in the recommendations of a committee of forty-eight men and women appointed several months ago by Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins to study the immigration situation.
The report of the committee, headed by Carleton H. Palmer, recommended the retention of present immigration restrictions with only secondary relaxations. The repor. pointed out that two problems of considerable interest–admission of refugees and the reuniting of families–could be met within the present immigration law structure.
“Asylum for those who flee from religious, racial and political persecution is one of the oldest and most valued of American traditions,” the report pointed out. “Our share of this unfortunate group can be taken of within the present quotas and without amendment to the law.”
For this group the report urges.
The report declared that “our immigration laws have met the challenge of the depression” by “special consideration at this time.” permitting drastic reductions in immigration and “yet have retained flexibility adapted to changing conditions.”
WILL CONTINUE PRESENT POLICY
It pointed out that the committee saw no reason for substantial amendment at this time and asserted the belief that the present policy of restriction should be continued.
With regard to reunion of families, the report stated; “The committee believes however, that the family constitutes the foundation and strength of our society and that the right of husband and wife, parents and children to be united, cannot be disregarded. We are therefore recommending that proper provision be made for reuniting families.”
Other recommendations of the committee included waging of an unceasing war against alien criminals, provisions to legalize the status of deserving illegal entrants opposition to deportation of aliens brought here as children and adequate educational facilities for Americanization of immigrants.
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.
