New-York tribune., 1919-09-29
Choosing Our Immigrants
By Herbert F. Sherwood

tion Legislation, has been urging a similar
plan for six or seven years as a means Of
solving the problems Of Oriental immigra-
ton. While it would place Oriental nations
on the same legal footing as other countries,
relatively few Orientals would be admitted
because the number now here is small SEN
ator Dillinghams idea is that regulation on
a percentage basis will result in a prepon-
derance Of the immigration Of those aliens
most desired. 1t is estimated that it would
limit immigration of laborers from Southern
and Eastern Europe to about one-thrd the
average annual influx prior to the war. The
following data have been prepared showing
the general effect Of the operation of this
bill if enacted into law:
Northwestern Europe. Average annual
immigration, 1910-I4, 182,s5O. Number ad-
missible under the per centum limit plan,
337,6 ,6O2.
Southern and Eastern Europe and Turkey
in Asia. Average annual immigration, 1910
IA, 73S,607 Number admissible under per
centum limit plan, 256469.
"China, Japan and India. Average annual
immigration, 1904, 1888 Under per
centum plan, 1281."
The inflow of Germans under the above
plan might be considerable, as there are many
OF German extraction in this country. How
ever, the bill is clearly restrictive measure.
with regulation placed upon, constructive
basis. 1t is an attempt definitely to answer
immigration questions.
IN the mean time new turn has been given
to the question of regulation through Presi-
dent Wilson's request for a continuation for
a year. following the proclamation of peace
OF the present passport law and for an ap-
preparation of $750,0O0 for the use of the
State Department in administering it, The
object frankly expressed is the regulation of
immigration. 1t is proposed to build up
abroad an organization in connection with
the diplomatic and consular service Through
the passport requirements it would exclude
so far as possible all persons whose admjs-
sion 10 the United States would be contrary
TO the pubic interest. Reports from abroad,
the President said in making his request.
sho" that there are many persons who will
seek admission to this country as soon as the
restrictions are withdrawn, and that amonp
them are persons undesirable from the point
OF view of future citizenship and whose
origin and affiliations make it inadyisa Bile
that they be permitted to enter the United
States
Should the passport law be continued in
force the result would be a radical change in
the administrative policy regarding immjcra-
ton Before the war the belief Of manv
Americans was that every immigrant was
seeking home in the "land of the free and
was prospective citizen AS matter Of
tact, few. with the exception Of Jews. came
here with that motive. The voice of oroan-
lzed labor has been potent factor in the
moulding of regulatory legislation and in its
administration. The Presidents PROPOSAL on
Its face is one of Americanization. Inasmncb
as 1t suggests regulation at the source
through the only available machinery. tho
diplomatic and consular service. it is the most
practical plan that has been proposed Thus
1ar 1t appears to be supplemental to the
immigration laws. adding to the present
limitation others in the interest of the so
clai and political welfare of the country