Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1919-08-24
DRASTIC alien
BILL WOULD BAR
COOL|E H0RDES
Only Better Classes Intent on
Becoming Citizens to be
Admitted.

Washington, Aug. pa new
method of dealing with the incoming
alien problem is embodied in the bill
prepared by the house immigration
committee. 1t is regarded as the
most drastic measure of the kind
ever presented to congress.
Adoption of the bill would mean.
its trainers say, literal fulfillment of
the so-called "gentlemen's aggree-
ment" between the United States and
Japan with respect to immigration
and would keep out japanese coolies.
Under the Root Tokihara agree
ment, Japan is obligated to send no
coolies to this country, but it is
charged the records disclose that
they arrive by the thousands, with
passport as merchants, students, and
the like. Once here it is alleged, they
remain, send for picture brides"
raise families and their children be-
come citizens of the United States
by right of birth.
Representative Albert johnson, of
Hoquiam, Wash, chairman of the
house immigration committee, in
charge Of the preparation of the bill
says the requirement that aliens
landing at American ports must have
passports with time limit will
break up the great inflow Of foreign
ers. The bill provides that aliens
coming within exemption clauses Of
the present law must obtain pass
ports from their own governments,
supervised by consuler agents of the
United States, and limited as to time.
Register Yearly.
But the bill does not stop there
Aliens, who under present laws are
eligible to citizenship, would be per-
mitted to come to the United States
without passports providing they
state in writing their belief that they
intend to reside here and become
citizens. They must agree to regis
ter at least once year, failure to
do SO being cause for deportation.
Failure to take out first papers at
the end Of two years residence, also
is cause for deportation.
After taking out papers, aliens
must remain here five years for final
citizenship, with time allowance off
for knowledge of the elements of the
American plan of government and
proficiency in the English language.
If an alien dosen OF acquire citizen
ship in eight years he is sent home.
The committee hopes to provide a
plan by which citizens of contiguous
territory, Canada and Mexico, may
visit the United States on cards is
sued annually.
Chairman johnson is trying to have
congress send special committee
comprising eastern and middle west
members to the Pacific coast to study
the Japanese situation. eve want
the east to study it," he said.
Oppose Suspension.
Immigrants now come to the
United States freely and are requir-
ed to pass mental and physical tests, "
Chairman Johnson said, explaining
his bill. "Many classes, such as
lawyers, teachers, students, merch-
ants and actors, are exempted from
these tests. These are the class that
it is proposed to have come with
limited passports. That is to say,
they are to come as visitors, and not
as prospective citizens. If one comes
as a prospective citizen he must so
state, and agree in writing to place
himself under probation, reporting at
stated intervals. That is all there is
tQs it. Visitors are welcome. We
have room for desirable immigrants,
but must have a guarantee as to their
c0htinued desirability and their will
ipkness to acquire not only Ameri-
can citizenship but all that the word
Anericanism implies"
Members of the committee say it
is not likely bin suspending immi-
grafton for any stated period could
pass congress now. A year ago it
could have passed, they add. There
is demand. according to members,
for a provision in the new bill for
deportation of aliens who withdraw
their first papers in order to avoid
service with the armed forces of the
United States.