Mexico’s immigration laws have been tightened to forbid the entry of any foreigner not a native of the American continent, with such exceptions as may be allowed personally by President Manuel Avila Camacho.
Notice to that effect was sent today to all Mexican immigration stations in an official circular. Announced aim of the measure was “prevention of infiltration by fifth columnists.”
The effect of the decree upon entry of refugees, for whom Mexico has be come one of the few remaining havens, was speculated upon by refugee organizations here, who expressed their belief that the clause permitting the president to make exceptions is intended to facilitate the entry of specific refugees. It was admitted, however, that the practical effect of the measure is to close the doors of Mexico to thousands of refugees now in European and African concentration camps, as these men have made up the bulk of immigration into Mexico during the past four years.
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