AFL CALLS FOR LAW TO PROTECT LABOR FROM EXCESS IMMIGRATION
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 27, 1920, the Washington Star published a front page story stating that according to the legislative committee of the American Federation of Labor*, immigration legislation would be "the most important problem" facing the new session of Congress.
The following quote was taken from the most recent issue of the American Federationist**...
"With 2,000,000 idle and thousands of immigrants pouring into the country every day, the dangers ahead...are so severe...even the enemies of labor are fearful of the future."
According to the Federationist, in the passage of suitable immigration legislation American labor could be protected from "the menace of excess immigration."
The Federationist also stated...
"Not a moment should be lost in launching a campaign in favor of restricting all immigrants for at least two years."
*American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded in 1886. Samuel Gompers served as president of the organization all but one year between 1886 and 1924.
**The American Federationist was the official organ of the American Federation of Labor.
SOURCE
"Halt Immigrants, Is Appeal Of Labor," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 27, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
