Although the Johnson-Reed Act was passed in 1924, the national origins quota designated in the Act was delayed in taking effect until 1927. Opposition to the Act, however, led Congress to twice postpone effective date of the legislation. In 1929, when the application of the clause was finally about to commence, William Montavon, the director of the Legal Department at the NCWC wrote this essay for the NCWC Review. In it, he examines the legislative origins of the Johnson-Reed Act, including the personalities and political fights that shaped the purpose of the national origins clause.

Questions:

As you read the document, reflect on the following questions:

• Why does Montavon think that the national origins clause was added to the 1924 Immigration Act?
• What tradition does Montavon thinks that America should follow instead of enforcing the national origins clause?
• How accurate, according to Montavon, are the statistics calculating "national origin" for the purposes of immigration quotas?