Attempts by chairman Emanuel Celler of the House Judiciary Committee and other Congressmen to amend provisions of the Walter Omnibus Immigration Bill, described as objectionable by major Jewish organizations, were defeated today as debate on the measure opened in the House. One amendment which would have done away with racial discrimination was beaten by 102-29.
Rep. Francis Walter of Pennsylvania, chairman of the House Immigration Subcommittee and sponsor of the legislation, said he resented any charges of prejudice. Rep. E.L. Forrester of Georgia said it was an “exalted privilege” to come to the United States and added that “the men yelling most about discrimination in Washington are living in the most luxurious apartments and are driving the finest automobiles.” He was applauded by more than 50 members of the House.
Rep. Claire Hoffman of Michigan said that he agreed with Rep. John Rankin and that he was “glad to see him here” fighting any attempt to liberalize the measure. He said “if any people in this country need protection it is the White Gentiles.”
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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.
