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Administrative History
The federal Immigration Law of 1907 extended the federal government's jurisdiction over admission and deportation of aliens. However, the federal government paid little attention to the immigrants' protection, education, and employment distribution, issues of particular concern to New York, the state most affected by immigration. Most immigrants arrived at the Port of New York and were vulnerable to various forms of exploitation and fraud.
State legislation of 1908 (Chapter 210) empowered the governor to appoint a nine-member Commission of Immigration to investigate the "condition, welfare, and industrial opportunities of aliens" in New York State. The Commission was to report to the governor, making recommendations as to appropriate legislation. The commission was chaired by Louis Marshall and included social reformer Lillian D. Wald.
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