HC Deb 08 July 1925 vol 186 cc385-6
2. Mr. HUGH O'NEILL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the immigration laws of the United States of America impose con- siderable delay upon a woman, whose father's people are American citizens, in going out from this country to join her husband, a British citizen, who has obtained employment in the United States and has a home waiting for her there; and will he make representations to the United States Government with a view to these conditions being altered?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I regret that I do not feel able to take any action in the matter.

Mr. O'NEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case I have in mind a young wife with a small child has been told she cannot go out and join her husband in the United States until 1927, and does he not consider that a specially hard case?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There are undoubtedly very hard cases under the American Immigration Law, but there are no representations I can usefully make.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his colleague, the Home Secretary, imposes equally hard restrictions on other poor people coming into this country from other countries?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I was not aware of that.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I can give the right hon. Gentleman two or three cases.