Foreign Chambers to Cooperate with Mexico on Immigration

Development of a more lenient and at the same time more centrally controlled policy on immigration, of special interest to prospective Jewish immigrants, is indicated today following a communication from the Mexican immigration chief, Senor Andres Landay Pina, seeking cooperation of the Jewish Chamber of Commerce in stabilizing the immigration problem.

The communication, simultaneously addressed to all foreign chambers of commerce, told of the immigration department’s desire to eliminate irregularities such as are produced by employment of special agents, commonly known in Mexico as “coyotes,” who intervene on behalf of the immigrant.

The various chambers of commerce were invited to send delegates to a meeting which was held recently and which was attended by many representatives of the foreign chambers of commerce. The department officials expressed a desire of instituting a system whereby the chambers of commerce will be responsible for citizens of their respective countries who seek admission to this country. Prospective immigrants will be requested to send in their applications, affidavits and other necessary documents to the proper chamber of commerce, which will study the matter together with the immigration authorities. The representatives at the meeting agreed to maintain weekly contact with the immigration authorities.

The American Chamber of Commerce immediately announced establishment of a special immigration department which will handle immigration matters for American citizens. Among the Jewish residents of Mexico, especially those who have relatives abroad whom they wish to bring here, the new plan has aroused great interest. Officials of the Jewish Chamber of Commerce are urging local Jews who wish to bring relatives over to establish contact with that organization and also recommended that Jews residing outside of Mexico who may be contemplating coming here first get in touch with the Chamber of Commerce in order to avoid establishing relations with any of the numerous “coyotes” who operate in this field and whom the immigration department wishes to eliminate.