By January 1. 1950. America had admitted only 169.800 displaced persons. The reason for this proportionately small number was the fact that we were comparatively slow in providing for the emigration of these people. Our regular immigration quotas were so geared that relatively few displaced persons could enter. But the heart of America is big. and when the people learned the facts they joined togetherregardless of religious affiliation or political partyto support the principle that America. too. must do her part. After a long delay. a special law. the Displaced Persons Act of 1948. was finally passed. Under its terms. a limited number of displaced persons began to come in. After being screened and rescreened. and complying with requirements much more stringent than our normal Immigration rules. the displaced persons were met by friends and relatives. guaranties of housing and jobs were made in advance so as to insure that the presence of the displaced persons in this country would not deprive American citizens of jobs or houses. The DPs were helped by great religious and welfare agencies in a manner unprecedented in our immigration history. Never before has the immigrant been as carefully screened or as effectively helped in adjusting himself to his new homeland. And the result Is good. Let us not be misled by those who would reject the whole because of a few exceptions to the rule.
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