The Investigators - Immigration pt. 1

DateSeptember 13 1973

Viewing NotesInterview with a man about the positive impact of great waves of immigration through the history of the United States. Open and free immigration policy ended after 1920 when a series of racist and religiously focused legislation began to pass in the hopes of restricting the population of non-white non-protestant people. Interview with a few men (including someone from the Division of Employment Security) about laws that make sure that immigrants will not take jobs that an American citizen is willing and able to do and the employment of immigrants will not suppress wages in the region. Lawyer says that Massachusetts is too strict with their denial of immigrants applications. More of the interview with the man from the Division of Employment Security. He says that they must make sure that we use the population to the utmost extent and we need better training programs. There would be no need to import foreign workers if we had the right training programs. Explains how they use computers to match open jobs with available workers, and then provide this information to the labor department. Interview with the lawyer about how the Labor Department just looks at computer statistics and need to have their process humanized. It isn't working since employers can't find the people they need and it encourages illegal immigration. Interview with Mr. Chan, a man from Hong Kong who is working with the lawyer to get legal status after being in the country for 5 years, so he can reenter legally with his family. The laywer says that now you have to be wealthy, highly skilled, or a very good cheat and liar to be admitted. Laws are made to protect Americans (and the country), but look at how many of the important people who have contributed greatly to our society are immigrants or children of immigrants. (Reel 1 of 1, see Acc. 2394.11299)