I think. some of the troubles that now loom before us. He put into his message a warning with reference to this same question. speaking broadly. not with reference to the Japanese. but with reference to the possibility of international complications which might arise between any country and the United States. He states: The bill exempts from the operation of the literacy test all aliens who shall prove to the satisfaction of the proper immigration officer or to the Secretary of Labor that they are seeking admission to the United States to avoid religious persecution In the country of their last permanent residence. whether such persecution be evidenced by overt acts or by laws or governmental regulations that discriminate against the alien or the race to which he belongs because of his religious faith." That Is the end of the quotation. The President continues: Such a provision. so applied and administered. would oblige the officer concerned in effect to pass Judgment upon the laws and practices of a foreign Government an de are that they did or did not constitute religious persecution.. This would. to say the least. be a most invidious function for any administrative officer of this Government to perform. and it is not only possible but probable that very serious questions of International Justice and comity would arise between this Government and the Government or Governments thus officially condemned should its exercise be attempted.
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literacy test immigration