Congress Urged to Drop Discriminatory Provisions from Immigration Law

An appeal to the United States Congress to enact “an equitable, non-discriminatory formula” for the admission of those seeking to enter the United States as immigrants was made by the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds here.

The appeal asked the Congress to assure that deportation shall not be punishment for crimes committed by an alien after lawful entry into this country. Congress was also asked to provide that, except in case of fraud committed at the time of entry or naturalization, there should be no distinction between naturalized and native-born citizens.

The Assembly commended the Congress for its enactment of a law this year which, for the first time in United States history, provides permanent legislation for the admission of certain categories of refugees outside quota restrictions. “This action is “an important forward step in our immigration policies, bringing to reality what this Assembly has long advocated, ” the resolution stated.

However, the resolution expressed regret that the basic United States immigration statute retained the discriminatory national origins quota system, with its implications that some nations and races are superior to others. “Such a policy contrasts sharply with our ideal of equal opportunity for all, and is a serious impediment in our struggle against totalitarianism in the world.”

In another resolution, Congress was also called on to enact legislation “to make equal rights and opportunities a reality. ” It commended Jewish local and national agencies for their actions in the fight for civil rights, and affirmed the commitment of the Assembly to equal opportunity for all Americans without discrimination on grounds of religion, color, race or national origin. “We are encouraged by the gains that have been made in the field of civil rights during the past year, but we are aware of the pressing need for more rapid progress” the resolution stated.