1931-1960
During 1931 through 1960 America experienced refugees pouring into their states. In the beginning, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, did not want any refugees coming into America during World War II out of fear that the refugees may be forced and threatened into spying for Germany. Therefore the State Department enforced more strict immigration policies to keep the amount of refugees to a minimum. Although by the time of 1944, President FDR became aware of the mass murders taking place in Germany and decided to rescue the Jewish people. In order to save the Jewish people, he established the War Refugee Board (WRB). He used this organization to help the rescue of the victims in danger. Also in 1944, FDR decided that Fort Ontario, New York would become the free port to enter the United States for refugees.