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

The President's Commission on Immigration and Naturalization

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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 The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was superseded by a new immigration policy in 1965.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").

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M4B Audiobook 01-17 (227MB)

M4B Audiobook 18-33 (190MB)

queue_music Chapters 33

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