xix 
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION 
The Immigration Problem is one of vital interest 
to the American people. President Roosevelt said 
that he considered it, with the possible exception of 
that of the conservation of the natural resources of 
the country, our most important problem. Upon 
our policy in dealing with the immigrants depend, to 
a very noteworthy extent, the progress and nature 
of the development of the nation economically, politi 
cally and socially. 
Before the investigation of the United States Im 
migration Commission, completed in 1910, discussions 
on the subject of immigration were necessarily based 
largely upon conjecture or personal observation, some 
times upon prejudice. That investigation, thoroughly 
and scientifically planned and carried out, furnished 
a real basis for judgment on most of the questions 
connected with immigration. Both of the authors of 
this book were associated with the Commission 
throughout the investigation, and since that time have 
kept closely in touch with the new legislation and new 
publications on the subject. 
Professor Smith has been a special student and lec 
turer on immigration for a number of years, and has 
done much original research and social work directly 
with the immigrants.