Historical Events

Facing persecution and violence for his anti-Nazi stance and as a Jew, Albert Einstein renounced his German citizenship.

Delegates from 32 countries meet in Evian, France, seeking solution to refugee crisis. They express sympathy for refugees, followed by excuses and inaction.

The St. Louis was forced to leave Havana harbor. As the ship traveled up the Florida coast, passengers anxiously plead for refuge in the United States.

Senator Robert Wagner withdrew support for his own bill after opponents amended it to maintain the existing immigration quota.

The United States Committee for the Care of European Children organized one of the largest American efforts to aid refugee children during World War II.

President Roosevelt issued an executive order to provide relief and rescue for Jews in Europe.

President Roosevelt calls for a “free port” for refugees at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.

The Truman Directive did not increase immigration quotas, but it required that existing quotas be filled by displaced persons.