Senator Arthur V. Watkins. Utah Republican, today introduced a bill to implement President Eisenhower’s proposal for changes in the Refugee Relief Act of 1953. At the same time, Rep. Francis E. Walter, chairman of the House Immigration Subcommittee, expressed doubt that the President’s proposals for immigration revision would be considered in the House during this session.
In introducing has bill. Sen. Watkins said he “strongly endorsed” the proposals as “sound and essential” to the smooth functioning of the Act. He asked that the bill remain on the Senate desk for several days so that any Senators wishing to add their names as co-sponsors could do so.
Congress was urged today also by the American Jewish Committee to act “promptly and favorably” on the President’s ten-point plan to facilitate entry of refugees “as a prelude toward the overhaul” of basic U.S. immigration policy. A statement issued by Irving M. Engel, president of the AJC, declared:
“We commend the Administration for having taken a significant step forward toward the amendment of the Refugee Relief Act. The changes proposed by the President are important even though they do not go the whole way toward correcting limitations which, up to now, have largely defeated the humanitarian purposes which motivated the Act. We hope that the President’s proposals will be acted upon promptly and favorably by the Congress before adjournment.
“Most important of all, the President’s message should be viewed as a prelude toward the overhaul of our basic immigration policy as expressed in the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952. Until the repressive and racist philosophy expressed in that law has been eliminated, every other step will leave us far short of the goal of a humane immigration policy which symbolizes the American tradition of hospitality to all who seek sanctuary here and who will help enrich our democracy.”
National President Philip M. Klutznick of B’nai B’rith similarly hailed President Eisenhower’s recommendations to Congress. He wired the President full support of his proposals, saying that the President’s liberalization move was “a step in the direction of traditional American humanitarianism.” Speaking for B’nai B’rith. he said: “We feel that adoption of your recommendations will speed up the entry of deserving immigrants and will renew consideration for the elimination of restrictive national origin quota policies.”
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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.
