The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-08-24
NEW IMMIGRATION LAW IS DRASTIC.
Is So Drawn As to Exclude Japanese and Stop Present
 Evasions of Agreement
Rx Associated Pros,

Washington, August 23.-A new meth cd of dealing with the incoming alien problem is embodied in bill being pre- mfttee. It is regarded as the most dras- tic measure of the kind ever presented to Congress.
 Adoption of the bill would mean, it's framers say, literal fulfillment of the so- called ''gentlemens agreement between the United States and Japan with respect to immigration, and would keep out Jap anese coolies.
 Under the Root Tokihara agreement, Japan is obligated to send no coolies to this country but it charged the records disclose that they arrive by the thou sands, with passports as merchants, stu dents and the like. Once here. it is al legged, they remain. send for picture brides raise families and their chill dren become citizens of the United States by right of birth.
 Representative Albert Johnson of Ho- quiam, Wash, chairman of the House immigration committee, in charge of the preparation of the bill. says the require ment that aliens landing at American ports must have passports with a time limit will break up the great inflow of foreigners. The bill provides that aliens coming within exemption clauses of the present law must obtain pass sports from their own government, vised by consular agents of the United States, and linn tied as to time.
 But the bill does not stop there. Aliens who under present laws are eligible to citizenship, would be permitted to come to the United States without passports, providing they state in writing their be-
 ef that they intend to reside here and become citizens They must agree to register at least once a year, failure to b so being a cause for deportation. Fail ire 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 citizen- ship, with time allowance off for knowledge of the elements of the Ameri- can plan of government and proficiency in the English language If an alien does not require citizenship in eight years he is sent home
 The committee hopes to provide a plan by which citizens of contiguous terri tory, Canada and Mexico, may visit the United States on cards issued annually.
 Chairman Johnson is trying to have Congress send a special committee com prising eastern and middle west mem- bers to the Pacific coast to study the Japanese situation. ''We want the east to study it," he said
 Immigrants now come to the United States freely and are required to pass mental and physical tests" Chairman Johnson said, explaining his bill. Many classes, such as lawyers, teachers, stu dents, merchants and actors, are ex- empted 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 in- tervals. That is all there is to it. Visit DTS are welcome. We have room for de- sirable immigrants. but must have a. guarantee as to their continued desira- bility and their willingness to acquire not only American citizenship, but all that the word Americanism implies.' Members of the committee say it is not likely bill suspending immigration for any stated period could pass Congress now. year ago it could have passed, they add. There is a demand according to members, for provision in the new bill for deportation of aliens who with. draw their first papers in order to avoid service with the armed forces of the United States.