Memorandum from Oscar Ewing to President Harry S. Truman

THE FEDERAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR WASHINGTON June 23, 1952 MEMORANDUM TO: The President FROM: Oscar R. Ewing Off Federal Security Administrator I want to urge you to veto H.R. 5678, which is the McCarran-Walter Immigration Bill. Politically, I see little to be lost and much to be gained by a veto. Few legislative matters affect as many people or groups in the United States as immigration. Religious, nationality and civic groups feel very strongly about immigration, and organize politically to achieve their aims. l. The major religious agencies in the United States are opposed to the bill. This includes: National Council of Churches of Christ American Friends Service Committee National Lutheran Council National Catholic Charities American Jewish Congress American Jewish Committee Among the Catholic organizations, the bill has been opposed by such publications as the Catholic Interracialist and the national Catholic weekly America. Jewish organizations, including the Jewish War Veterans, have been unanimous in their opposition to the bill. Although large-scale Jewish immigration to the United States is a thing of the past they are greatly concerned with what the provisions of this bill would do to persons already in this country. Protestant organizations, led by the National Council of Churches of Christ and the American Friends Service Committee, have been vocal in their opposition to the bill. Many religious groups, especially those involved in the displaced persons program, are worried about the large increase in hardship cases with which they may have to deal as a result of the enactment of this bill. NARA