Mr. Chairman. there is no question but that this amendment should be defeated. It raises the old proposition we have had with us ever since we have had immigration laws. From the time the first immigration laws were enacted there were problems arising from the conduct and the responsibility of passenger ships upon which alien immigrants came to our country. I remember when we passed the laws imposing fines of as much as $1.000 on steamships that brought and attempted to land stowaways. The law compelled the steamships to take these stowaways out of the country. Much bribery and unlawful conduct was practiced by the officers and men on steamships. for many immigrants wanting badly to come to this country were willing to pay exorbitant sums to arrange successful transportation. however unlawful or treacherous. The bill is all right as it is. In case a sea captain finds he has a stowaway he did not know he had when he started. the Attorney General can refuse to assess or he can refund the fine.
Identified stereotypes
Immigrants are willing to pay exorbitant sums to arrange successful transportation, however unlawful or treacherous.