Letter from Emma Brace to Corinne Roosevelt Robinson
Emma Brace explains to Corinne Roosevelt Robinson her concerns about possible upcoming restrictions to immigration. She read in the newspaper that President Roosevelt is considering a change in policy that would require immigrants to pay a $25 tax in order to come, or limit immigration with national quotas. Brace feels this is a mistake because it is unfair to peasants and their families, especially Italians, who cannot afford the tax, and unfair to American companies who need good laborers. Brace tells Robinson about an idea she read in a book called Imported Americans, in which representatives from American companies would go abroad to villages and select the workers they want, thereby giving a certificate to those who meet the criteria and thus the “undesirable may not even leave their own commune.” Brace believes this idea is approved by Commissioner of Immigration Robert Watchorn and hopes Robinson will communicate this idea to her “active-minded brother,” meaning President Roosevelt.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1905-05-25