House Committee Begins Hearing on Liberalization of Immigration Law

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Louis Marshall and Congressman Perlman appeared before the House Immigration Committee yesterday to appeal for exemption from the quota of certain relatives, of declarants and citizens, namely, the wives, husbands, children and parents, which is proposed by Congressman Perlman’s bill in the House and Senator Wadsworth’s bill in the Senate. These bills were used as the basis of consideration by the committee.

Mr. Marshall, who appeared before the Committee on the invitation of Congressman Perlman, spoke for about an hour. Both he and Congressman Perlman stressed the great hardship caused by the separation of families, due to the impossibility under the present law of securing admission for the above mentioned relatives of declarants and of parents and husbands of citizens. At present only the wives of citizens and the unmarried children under eighteen are exempt from the quota.

While no open opposition was displayed, it could not be ascertained from the questions asked by the members of the Committee what their ultimate attitude will be. It appeared, however, that some members of the Committee felt concerned as to the possible economic effect on America if the proposed additional classes of immigrants are admitted. In general, the Committee listened to Mr. Marshall and Congressman Perlman with great attention.

Inquiry was made as to the approximate number the proposed legislation would admit, but neither Mr. Marshall nor Congressman Perlman were in a position to submit such an estimate, although assurance was expressed that no unduly large number is involved. Mr. Marshall, in a vigorous and impassioned appeal, brought out two main points, first, that it was a sound economic policy to unite relatives. America is built up on a family and home basis, he said, It is an indication of the desirability of an immigrant when industrious and conscientious enough to desire to bring over his close relatives, and, secondly, aside from this practical assurance, the proposed legislation should not be treated as a mere matter of cold figures but considered from the standpoint of humanity, in the spirit of President Coolidge’s own expression of sympathy with this character of relief legislation.

Congressman Dickstein of New York and Congressman Golder of Philadelphia, the new Jewish member of the Committee, asked questions and made observations tending to assist in bringing out the points favoring the proposed measure. Although the real discussion on the part of the Committee will occur in the executive session after the conclusion of the hearings, there developed yesterday a brief interchange of remarks concerning the principal aspect in which Senator Wadsworth’s bill differs from Congressman Perlman’s. The former proposes only to exempt the relatives of those declarants who held that status prior to July 1, 1924.

Congressman Golder brought out that this would mean only those admitted into the United States prior to July 1, 1922, would be entitled to secure exemption for their relatives, as the law requires an alien to be a resident of America for two years prior to making his declaration of intention to become a citizen. Congressman Golder added that the number who would come in if the proposed restriction were eliminated could not possibly be so great as to affect the economic equilibrium or prove objectionable in any other way, whereas, such restriction would impose great hardships upon those who arrived after July 1, 1922.

Further hearings are expected next week, although no definite date has been set. Congressman Perlman indicated that Dr. Stephen S. Wise and other prominent Jewish leaders will be invited to appear before the Committee.