THE NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
Because of lack of flexibility, the present three per cent immi-
gration law is not adaptable to changing conditions. In order to
overcome this defect, and at the same time make a distinction
between immigrants who can directly add to the national strength
and those who cannot, the Chamber advocates that to the present
three per cent quota there should be added a possible two per cent
quota upon a selective basis. This would provide a flexibility that
would care for proven economic needs up to a maximum of two per
cent without affecting our social standards, and it is hoped would
demonstrate the wisdom of ultimately placing the entire immigra-
tion upon a selective basis. In the opinion of the Chamber it is in
the national interest that the principle of selection should be a
controlling factor in any immigration legislation that may be passed
by Congress. These proposals will tend to insure the maintenance
of a strong, virile, and essentially homogeneous people that will
permit the United States to measure up to its economic, political
and social possibilities. (Resolution, Eleventh Annual Meeting,
1923.)
IMMIGRATION PoLICY
Immigration legislation has received the attention from the
Chamber which its great importance warrants. It has been con-
sidered at annual meetings, and it has been earnestly studied by a
committee of the Chamber. In accordance with recommendations
of this committee which have: been placed before the membership,
we believe that the quota provisions of the law should be based upon
the census of 1910 and that the present extension of these provisions
should be for a period not exceeding five years. At the same time
there should be inserted a provision for making the quota flexible,
through increase above or decrease below the base figure within
stated limits, in order that immigration may more nearly accord
with our own conditions. At the same time, there should be a
means for testing in practice the possibility of selection of immi-
grants before they sail in accordance with their desirability and the
likelihood of their advantage in coming to the United States. For
the purpose of advising increases or decreases in quotas and for
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