Msgr. Paul F. Tanner, 1958
Courtesy of ACUA

As the secretary-general of the NCWC, Paul Tanner had overseen the reorganization of the Department of Immigration and other changes to the department brought about by the passage of the 1965 Immigration Act. In this letter to an unnamed member of the Catholic hierarchy, Tanner discusses some of these changes, and speculates about the effect of these changes for members of religious orders.

Tanner to unknown recipient

Questions:

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

• What is Tanner's opinion of the 1965 Act? Does he approve or disapprove of it?
• What changes did the 1965 Act make in regard to the immigration of religious Brother and Sisters, according to Tanner? Was it easier or harder for professed religious to enter the country?
• Why does Tanner request that the Diocesan Press should not publicize the favorable changes in the immigration laws?