[3] Since the McCarran-Walter Act (1952) did not include provisions for refugees as a general category, the policy continued to be carried out by way of impromptu measures.

[4] Hence, the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 was enacted in August 1953 and expired in 1956 to circumnavigate the low quotas for people's respective countries.

These amendments required prospective refugees to undergo a thorough security screening, including a verifiable history of their activities for two years prior to application.

In a statement about signing the Refugee Act of 1953, President Eisenhower stated that "In enacting this legislation, we are giving a new chance in life to 214,000 fellow humans.

[2] Overall, the President viewed this emergency immigration legislation as a significant humanitarian act that would contribute toward a greater understanding and better cooperation between free nations of the world.

[6] Furthermore, the act also addressed the problems resulting from population pressures in Italy, Greece, and Netherlands by extending immigration to relatives of American citizens and permanent resident aliens.

For instance, 186,000 out of 214,000 were refugees, expellees, and escapees from Communist persecution, natural disaster, and military operations, both in Europe and Asia, making it the largest recipient group.

[6] It is important to note that section 12 prioritized "persons whose services or skills are needed in the United States," and the parents, spouses, and children of U.S.

[8] In 1955, Edward Corsi, who had been appointed to administer the act, was dismissed as the result of a conflict with State Department Security Director Scott McLeod.