Reports of the business depression and unemployment in the United States which reach Europe are probably holding back prospective immigrants to this country to some extent, according to a statement issued here today by Harry E Hull, commissioner-general of immigration. On the other hand, he said, many immigrants come here to be with relatives, and in certain European countries the numbers seeking admission to this country are as large as ever. Mr. Hull cited Poland, Germany, Italy and Scandinavian countries as examples.
In some instances European countries may likewise be experiencing depressions, Mr. Hull added, so that an alien would be as well off here as at home. In reference to a recent dispatch from England stating that unemployment in the United States was responsible for the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for Scotland as compared with about 33,000 seeking to enter the United States at this time last year, Mr. Hull said unemployment is not the chief factor.
He attributed the lack of a waiting list to the fact that the quota for Great Britain was about twice as large as it was a year ago. The adoption of a selective immigration policy whereby this country will be able to choose only those aliens who can fill industrial needs here, would be an important step in combating unemployment, in the estimation of the commissioner-general of immigration.
At present, he pointed out, aliens come into the United States and enter industries, professions and occupations that are already overcrowded, although others who are in some line actually needed here are unable to get in because they must put their names on the waiting list along with all other quota immigrants.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
