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New York State Commission of Immigration Typescript of Report to the Governor

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

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.

Scope and Content Note

This is a carbon typescript of the Commission of Immigration's report, which was later published. The report covers general social, economic, and "moral" conditions of aliens; private, unchartered banks that catered to and often exploited immigrants; treatment of aliens by the justice system (courts, lawyers, etc.); naturalization procedures and problems; immigrants' homes; education of adults and children; and distribution of alien labor.

The report includes legislation recommended by eight members of the commission to establish a "bureau of industries and immigration" to protect aliens from fraud, exploitation, and oppression; to see that they are employed; to provide them with information about and communication with agencies and activities with which they might or should have contact; and to deal with other issues related to the condition of aliens in the state. Signatures of these eight commissioners follow the recommended legislation. Following this is a memorandum by the dissenting commissioner opposing the establishment of a new bureau. Finally, the report contains 61 appendices providing statistical information or other detail supporting the material presented in the report.

Alternate Formats Available

Published as Report of the Commission of Immigration of the State of New York (Albany : J.B. Lyon Company, State Printers, 1909); available at the New York State Library.

Access Restrictions

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