The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-14
DEALING WITH IMMIGRATION


 |'adequate service.
 DEALING WITH IMMIGRATION Congressional committees Are at work on one of the most important measures that affect the nations in- terests. It is practical solution of the immigration problem. The exist ing so-called quota law expires by limitation June 30. It is therefore essential for the new immigration law to go into effect some time before that date in order to be operating smoothly by that time. During the re- cess period the committee on immi- grafton of the house worked indus triously and accomplished much by way of ascertaining public sentiment and the necessities of the case. The bill prepared by Secretary of Labor Davis appears practical basis for intelligent and comprehensive legisla- ton.
 The need for some such provisions as are included in Secretary Davis bill has long been apparent, and es- pecially of late when repeated i'm migrant congestion so overtaxed Ellis Island facilities as to cause rumblings of complaint in America, as well as in England Nand other foreign coun- tries. The feature in Secretary Davis recommendations which most impressively bids for favorable legis- lative consideration is the proposal for selection or rejection of immigrants abroad by American representatives in various ports of departure. Logi- cally such a plan could be easily car- ried out, and would obviate congestion of immigrants at ports of entry with the inevitable accompanying waste, hardship and bitter disappointment. Not only would the best interests of this country be served under this plan, which is the chief consideration, but the immigrants themselves would thus be protected from needless ex- pense and anguish.
 This plan of examination and cer- tification at the source appears to be in large measure the solution of the immigration problem, because what ever be the quotas as applied to na- tionals, it would go far towards ex- cluding persons who are undesirable on political or social grounds. Such cases could be much more easily de- termined on the other side than after the applicants reach our crowded ports of entry. Instead of passing the quota upon the percentage of admissions from the several countries during a census period, it is evident that the most important consideration is the qualifications of each immigrant as respects suitability for future Ameri- can citizenship. The suggestion of John Hays Hammond. made several years ago on this point would seem to afford the congressional immigra- ton committees material for serious consideration. MT. Hammond says:
 No better test could be de-
 vised than the readiness with
 Which the various immigrating
 races tend to become citizens.
 Every race showing large per-
 centage. of naturalization has
 high value as an element in our
 population when it arrives; every
 race showing a low percentage
 has a low value. These facts
 suggest a just and feasible plan
 for limiting immigration into the
 United States. Let us decide
 upon the number of immigrants
 we are willing to receive each
 year, and then apportion the num-
 Der according to the record Of
 naturalization among the various
 races.
 This plan does not discriminate against any nationality. It simply fixes a basis upon which capacity for naturalization might be fairly tested. In other words, it establishes indi- vjdual qualification as a prerequisite, and has more direct application to the interests of the American nation. If there are many aliens already ad- mitted who have not sought citizen ship, they are relatively undesirable and their countrymen should have less claims for admission. Whatever the committees recommendations for changes in the immigration law, it is encouraging to note that quality and suitability of immigrants, rather than quantity demanded by certain industrial interests, is the dominant thought in the minds of those under taking to solve the problem.
 ALDRICH MINE INQUIRY
 WhaD Governo1. Brandon ordered a