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

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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 The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was superseded by a new immigration policy in 1965.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"). (15 hr 10 min)

Chapters

Introduction

12:42

Read by Larry Wilson

Part 1: Americans Speak on Immigration. Chapter 1a: The Commission's Hearings

26:38

Read by KevinS

Part 1, Chapter 1b

26:24

Read by KevinS

Part 2: Immigration and the American Way of Life. Chapter 2a: Immigration and t…

45:44

Read by PhyllisV

Part 2, Chapter 2b

33:26

Read by PhyllisV

Part 2, Chapter 3a: Immigration and Our Foreign Policy

29:25

Read by PhyllisV

Part 2, Chapter 3b

39:59

Read by PhyllisV

Part 2, Chapter 3c

40:00

Read by PhyllisV

Part 3: A Unified Quota System. Chapter 4: The Annual Immigration Quota

27:11

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 3, Chapter 5: National Origins System—Background

25:47

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 3, Chapter 6: National Origins System—Assumptions

22:59

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 3, Chapter 7: National Origins System—Operation

54:58

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 3, Chapter 8: National Origins System—Suggestions to the Commission

14:32

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 3, Chapter 9: A Unified Quota System—The Commission's Recommendation

18:59

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4: Administration of the Law. Chapter 10a: The Administrative Agency

35:29

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4, Chapter 10b

18:44

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4, Chapter 11a: Fair Hearing and Procedure

24:41

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4, Chapter 11b

27:04

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4, Chapter 11c

24:53

Read by Maria Kasper

Part 4, Chapter 11d

15:54

Read by Andy Glover

Part 5: Other Major Aspects. Chapter 12a: The Admission of Aliens

33:03

Read by Ciufi Galeazzi

Part 5, Chapter 12b

23:53

Read by Ciufi Galeazzi

Part 5, Chapter 13a: The Deporation of Aliens

27:05

Read by Ciufi Galeazzi

Part 5, Chapter 13b

20:38

Read by Ciufi Galeazzi

Part 5, Chapter 14: Relief in Deportation Cases

36:54

Read by Patrick McHaffie

Part 5, Chapter 15a: Security Protections

40:07

Read by Patrick McHaffie

Part 5, Chapter 15b

23:43

Read by Andy Glover

Part 5, Chapter 16a: Citizenship

34:23

Read by Patrick McHaffie

Part 5, Chapter 16b

36:25

Read by Patrick McHaffie

Part 5, Chapter 17: Additional Matters for Consideration

15:14

Read by Andy Glover

Part 6: Conclusions and Recommendations. Chapter 18: Conclusions

8:47

Read by Larry Wilson

Appendix I-II: Additional Views of Adrian S. Fisher. Order Creating the Commiss…

15:07

Read by Larry Wilson

Appendix III: The President's Veto Message

30:06

Read by Larry Wilson