Whom We Shall Welcome: Report of the President's Commission on Immigration and Naturalization

The President's Commission on Immigration and Naturalizatio

In 1952, Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which had many provisions objectionable to many Americans. President Truman vetoed it, but it was passed in June 1952 over the President's veto. President Truman established the President's Commission on Immigration and Naturalization [in September 1952]. He directed the Commission "to study and evaluate the immigration and naturalization policies of the United States" and to make recommendations "for such legislative, administrative, or other action as in its opinion may be desirable in the interest of the economy, security, and responsibilities of this country." This Report is the result of the Commission's study, and contains the recommendations for an immigration policy best suited, in its judgment, to the interests, needs, and security of the United States.

"The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and Respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations And Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights and priveleges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment." George Washington, December 2, 1783. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was superseded by a new immigration policy in 1965. - Summary modified from the text and by TriciaG

NOTE: Written in the early 1950s, this report contains terms and attitudes not culturally acceptable today (such as using the term "colored" and "wetbacks").

Genre(s): Political Science, Social Science (Culture & Anthropology)

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Introduction Larry Wilson
00:12:42
Play 02 Part 1: Americans Speak on Immigration. Chapter 1a: The Commission's Hearings KevinS
00:26:38
Play 03 Part 1, Chapter 1b KevinS
00:26:24
Play 04 Part 2: Immigration and the American Way of Life. Chapter 2a: Immigration and the American Economy PhyllisV
00:45:44
Play 05 Part 2, Chapter 2b PhyllisV
00:33:26
Play 06 Part 2, Chapter 3a: Immigration and Our Foreign Policy PhyllisV
00:29:25
Play 07 Part 2, Chapter 3b PhyllisV
00:39:59
Play 08 Part 2, Chapter 3c PhyllisV
00:40:00
Play 09 Part 3: A Unified Quota System. Chapter 4: The Annual Immigration Quota Maria Kasper
00:27:11
Play 10 Part 3, Chapter 5: National Origins System—Background Maria Kasper
00:25:47
Play 11 Part 3, Chapter 6: National Origins System—Assumptions Maria Kasper
00:22:59
Play 12 Part 3, Chapter 7: National Origins System—Operation Maria Kasper
00:54:58
Play 13 Part 3, Chapter 8: National Origins System—Suggestions to the Commission Maria Kasper
00:14:32
Play 14 Part 3, Chapter 9: A Unified Quota System—The Commission's Recommendation Maria Kasper
00:18:59
Play 15 Part 4: Administration of the Law. Chapter 10a: The Administrative Agency Maria Kasper
00:35:29
Play 16 Part 4, Chapter 10b Maria Kasper
00:18:44
Play 17 Part 4, Chapter 11a: Fair Hearing and Procedure Maria Kasper
00:24:41
Play 18 Part 4, Chapter 11b Maria Kasper
00:27:04
Play 19 Part 4, Chapter 11c Maria Kasper
00:24:53
Play 20 Part 4, Chapter 11d Andy Glover
00:15:54
Play 21 Part 5: Other Major Aspects. Chapter 12a: The Admission of Aliens Ciufi Galeazzi
00:33:03
Play 22 Part 5, Chapter 12b Ciufi Galeazzi
00:23:53
Play 23 Part 5, Chapter 13a: The Deporation of Aliens Ciufi Galeazzi
00:27:05
Play 24 Part 5, Chapter 13b Ciufi Galeazzi
00:20:38
Play 25 Part 5, Chapter 14: Relief in Deportation Cases Patrick McHaffie
00:36:54
Play 26 Part 5, Chapter 15a: Security Protections Patrick McHaffie
00:40:07
Play 27 Part 5, Chapter 15b Andy Glover
00:23:43
Play 28 Part 5, Chapter 16a: Citizenship Patrick McHaffie
00:34:23
Play 29 Part 5, Chapter 16b Patrick McHaffie
00:36:25
Play 30 Part 5, Chapter 17: Additional Matters for Consideration Andy Glover
00:15:14
Play 31 Part 6: Conclusions and Recommendations. Chapter 18: Conclusions Larry Wilson
00:08:47
Play 32 Appendix I-II: Additional Views of Adrian S. Fisher. Order Creating the Commission. Larry Wilson
00:15:07
Play 33 Appendix III: The President's Veto Message Larry Wilson
00:30:06