The Washington times., 1922-07-23
PRESENT LAWS @. K,
BUT DEMAND STRICT,
SANE ENFORCEMENT
Regulations Are Adequate, Says Siegel, But
Should BE Aided by Greater Provision for
Real Americanization Work, Through Addt-
fiOnal Naturalization Courts and Clerks.

languages spoken by as many peo-
pies In New York City.
Are new immigration laws need
cdr I queried.
Our immigration laws are ads-
quate." the Congressman declared
And on the whole I would say
they are administered satisfactor-
lily. A strict enforcement Of the
immigration Act of 1917. plus the
amendments previous to the quota
law. is really all that is necessary.
The law would be aided II greater
provision for Americanization work
and more naturalization courts and
clerks were established. 1t will in
terest your readers to learn that
the Treasury Of the United States
has received and retained above
all appropriations from the head
tax. more than S6,000.O00. Ul-
timately some Of this money will
be used in creating more
naturalization courts and clerks"
SAFE FROM DISEASE.
1t is possible that slight changes
In administration methods may
be made, the Congressman stated.
We are pretty well protected SO
far as contagious diseases are
concerned. There is little need OF
further legislation as to paupers.
The law affecting the admission
Of immoral persons and criminals
could be made more stringent, per.
haps. both as to those coming as
passengers and as immigrants.
Especial attention should be paid
to alien seamen. especially those
who desire to enter the country
by deserting their ships. The
1917 act did much to remedy these
evils.
What Is the attitude Of foreign
governments toward immigration"
/ asked.
"Of course" observed the Con-
gresham, foreign govements.
especially European, seem to re-
gard 1t as inevitable that a Ger.
tain percentage of their subjects
will emigrate soon or late. Their
attitude is one Of tolerance, al
though foreign governments insist
that all obligations be discharged
before embarking for another coun-
try. This applies particularly to
military duty. And II the subject
has evaded that duty he is liable
to arrest should he return. After
all, the economic factor is the the
most important.
"A discussion of the ship subsidy
bill would be interesting" I re-
minded the Congressman.
HUGE PROFIT IN FARES.
1T would" he agreed. THE
most important feature OF the bill
is the requirement that so per cent
Of our immigration from each
country must be carried on Ameri.
can ships. Under the per cent
law We expect about $50, 900 immi.
grants. At $50 a head this will
amount to a splendid sum. II will
be a real profit to owners Of Ameri.
can vessels and at no expense to
our taxpayers. 1t Is a most profit.
able business. think the average
immigrant fare at present is about
$S5. At The hearings on the mer-
chant marine bill shipping men Is.
serted that practically one.half of
this amount was profit.
Unfortunately, we have yer!
few ships for this purpose. We
have about fifty. according to
Chairman Lasker; of the Shipping
Board. Whereas. Great Britain
has more than 200.
will you mention some Of tho
causes of immigration. Congress
man."
Certainly" he replied. II
should say more persons emigrate
on account 81 religious or political
persecution than from any other
cause.
But one should not overlook the
fact that very many immigrants
are influenced by the superior ad
vantages America offers.
The stndard of rying abroad Is
very much below that OF America
So. often immigrants depart from
their native lands to improve not
only their own condition, but the
condition Of their children as well.
LOOK TO HEALTH.
In concluding, the Congressman
advised all foreign-born who de,
sire to fetch relatives and friends
to America to see that their health
Is good before they start. The, trip
to America from their native land
In usually long one. Unless the
parents and children are strong be-
49,, .nn lIa Ala 60