Slowness of Admission of Non-quota Immigrants Criticized

Representative Emanuel Celler, New York Democrat, today took sharp issue with the State Department, whose spokesman declared over the week-end that the slowness of Americans to come forth with job-and-home guarantees has slowed up the possible admission of more non-quota immigrants under President Eisenhower’s Refugee Relief Act of 1953. Such guarantees are mandatory under the Act, which was exactly one year old Sunday.

Jobs and homes could be provided expeditiously for the non-quota immigrants Rep. Celler said, if the United States went back to the previous immigration policies under which 400,000 “Displaced Persons” had been admitted. The previous policy permitted the guarantees to be pledged by organizations, instead of by individuals.

Previously, Rep. Celler pointed out, “assurances were given by such organizations as the Rural Catholic Life Conference, the National Lutheran Conference, the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and other religious and welfare organizations. These assurances were carried out. No difficulties ensued. Jobs and homes were provided. It is difficult, if not impossible, to get personal assurances for each refugee, because such assurances put a heavy responsibility on the guarantor.

“At the present snail’s pace, it will take years and years for the 214,000 non-quota immigrants envisaged in the Act of 1953 to be admitted into this country. The Act is too restrictive. And under its present administrator, Scott McLeod, the goal of admission of the 214,900 refugees will never be achieved.”

Mr. Celler attacked McLeod’s “ridiculous attitude” toward security screening, declaring that McLeod, who is the State Department chief of security, “sees subversives under every bed.” Rep. Celler said he is preparing an amendment calling for liberalization of the Act. One of the provisions in the amendment, he said, will aim at the ousting of McLeod from his post as administrator of the Act.