U.S. Immigration Policy is “cold and Cruel” Says Congressman Celler

The United States Government’s immigration policy is both “cold and cruel,” Congressman Emanuel Celler declared yesterday, addressing the eighth annual convention of the New York Country Council of the Jewish War Veterans of America meeting here. Rep. Celler emphasized that America must play a more active part in bringing aid to the oppressed populations in occupied Europe.

“The State Department must revise its modus operandi with reference to passing upon admission of refugees,” he asserted. “The present method is both cold and cruel. It lacks color and humanity. Even though reputable agencies endorse an applicant, it still carries no weight. I intend to fight this until I break it wide open.” Efforts must be made to get rid of the “glacier-like attitude of the State Department,” he asserted.

Temporary havens of refuge, Rep. Celler declared, must be set up in the Americas for those who are brave enough escape from Nazi-dominated Europe. In addition, neutral nations in Europe must be encouraged to offer asylum to the oppressed Jewish refugees, he said. “I have investigated and found that we have sufficient ships to send food, clothing and medical supplies,” he continued. “Were we, for example, to send supplies of this kind to Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, I am sure that these countries would be encouraged to further aid the Jewish refugee.”