Green Denies A. F. of L.’s National Council Approved Alien Registration Bill

The American Federation of Labor does not contemplate having introduced or supporting any bill for the compulsory registration of all aliens, declared William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor in an exclusive interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Mr. Green emphatically denied the story that the National Council of the American Federation of Labor at its last session in St. Petersburg, Florida, adopted a resolution favoring the introduction of a bill calling for compulsory registration of aliens.

“The National Council of the A. F. of L. could not have adopted such a resolution because the question was not even considered at its last session,” Mr. Green declared. “It is true that the National Convention of the American Federation of Labor held in Toronto of the registration of aliens, but this was meant as voluntary registration only.

“It was understood that this measure should be more of a protection for those aliens who are here legally, who, by obtaining a registration card would be able to identify themselves in case it was necessary. However, those who already have certain documents which identify their legal entry into the United States should not need to apply for special registration cards. That makes it clear that we are for voluntary registration of aliens only, and all current reports to the contrary are therefore unfounded,” Mr. Green said.

When asked whether the American Federation of Labor plans to have introduced or to support any compulsory registration bill he emphatically said “We do not contemplate doing so.”

Since the reports of the A. F. of L.’s National Council support of alien registration came North a number of bills have been introduced into Congress calling for alien registration. The entire foreign language press has organized itself in a fight to defeat this legislation.