The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-05-28
ISLAND
GATEWAY AND
EXIT OF U. S.
Aliens Leave America by
Many Thousands Since
Oppression.
This u the first n tuo articles on
Ellis Island.
BY SANDOR :. KLEIN
United Press stan Corrstpondsnt

ANAtFN Effst stan torres nnuneut
NEW YORK. May 28-Ellis Is
land is a tiny but crowded dot in
New York Harbor. between the
Statue Of Liberty and the New
Jersey shore.
Once 1t was world-famous as the
Gateway to America" symbolic Of
hope and a new life to thousands
Since the depression. it is often the
symbol Of encouragement. crushed
hopes. II Is becoming a gate
way-but an exit.
As many as 5000 persons daily
passed through the island-before
the bars we're put up against immi-
gration-tO the United States. Now
the tide is turning the other way.
Thousands Of aliens. unable to
make a livelihood during the last
few years. are returning 10 their
native lands at the expense Of gov
eminent and private social agencies
Too Proud 10 Demand Relief
Most of these 20 voluntarily at
the suggestion OF social workers
seeking to lift the relief burden
Others. too proud 10 demand relief.
ask to be sent back.
But there are hundreds who liter
ally are being booted out" They
are the criminal aliens. In recent
years, because Of the increase in
crime, the government has found
that deportation is probably the
easiest and best way TO rid the
country of this element.
rs 1t true" immigration Com
missioner Rudolph Reimer. who is
in charge on the island. was asked.
that because of increasing unrest
IN this country. due 10 the depres-
sion. many of those being elected
are political depoTtees2"
No" he replied. Nov. here. for
example. on April 25, we deported
l25 aliens OF this number, % were
criminals, the rest ship jumpers and
persons without proper papers.
There wasn't a single political case
in the group
Narcotic Act YiOlatOrs Ousted
of course. We have some from
time to time. but they represent an
exceedingly small percentage. Most
of those deported have been con-
victed Of such oTenses as prostitu-
ton. burglary. larceny. counter
feiting and violation of the Mar
cOtics Act"
Last year. the commissioner said.
approximately 5000 persons were de-
ported. almost one-third of the
number admitted to the United
States. This year. the number de-
ported probably will be larger.
The administration building
houses the immigration machinery.
and many there were awaiting re-
turn to their native lands.
one. a dark-haired. swarthv young
Italian woman. who was returning
with her husband and baby. said
she had no regrets at leaving"
1t has been very discouraging.
size said. Even if things are no
better in Italy. at least we will be
among those We know, relatives,
friends. our own people
"See You i'm Greece"
The criminal aliens were segre-
gated IN a room on the floor below
The windows of the room were
barred and armed officers stood out
side
One OF the deportees was busy at
an electric sewing machine. mend
ing a ripped shirt. Others were
reading. and some looked out the
windows.
"Hi-ya." one of them said. and
asked for a cigarette.
See you in Greece" was the part
ing of another. who sat, grinning.
on his bulky luggage.
Tomorrow description of Ellis
Island today and some of its resi-
dents.