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Refugees Here on Temporary Visas Will Not Be Deported During War

September 12, 1939
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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Several thousand Europeans in this country on temporary visitors’ permits will be able to obtain extension of these permits up to a two-year period–and possibly beyond–officials said today. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 refugees from Germany are among the holders of such permits.

None will be forced to return to Germany, or Nazi-dominated lands, even if it were possible to deport them, it was stated. Bona fide visitors can renew their permits in the ports at which they landed for a two-year period. After that, applications for renewals must be dealt with in Washington.

“Others who might face deportation in normal times also have hope of remaining during the duration of the war,” one official said. “They can be placed under bond and allowed to remain.”

The Bureau of Immigration of the Labor Department has the right to extend visitors’ permits when it sees fit, as many times as it wishes, and this practice will be followed. Meanwhile, the State Department may consider an order postponing all deportations during the war, but this action is not contemplated in the immediate future.

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