physical and mental diseases and defects in cases of arriving aliens ÎSecs. 9 and 35, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To certify, when requested and when the facts so justify, that an arriving alien who has been excluded is helpless from sickness, mental or physical disability or infancy, in order that the deportation of an accompanying alien may be effected [Sec. 18, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To certify, when the facts so justify, that an excluded or deportable alien is in need of special care and attention or of the services of a special attendant. When requested by the proper immigration officers to submit in writing for the information of the Secretary of Labor estimates as to the probable length of time medical treatment may be necessary to effect a cure in cases of arriving aliens who may be adjudged to have come to the United States in violation of law [Sec. 18, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To render when necessary a certificate in regard to the condition of insane aliens which will enable them to be held for treatment at the expense of the United States until they may be safely deported [Sec. 18, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To render opinions when requested by the proper immigration officers as to the curability of a "contagious disorder" affecting the wife or minor children of a domiciled alien or certain minor children of a citizen [Sec. 22, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To give an opinion as to the age of an alien, when requested to do so by the proper immigration officers [Sec. 3, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To render opinions, when requested to do so by the proper immigration officers, as to whether an alien may be "physically capable of reading." To designate to the proper immigration officers such aliens as may be in need of hospital care and treatment, as provided under the law and these instructions, and to recommend their transfer to hospital or other suitable place and there supervise or conduct such care and treatment as may be necessary [Sec. 18, act Feb. 5, 1917]. To designate to the proper immigration officers such arriving aliens as it may be necessary to transfer to hospitals for the purpose of completing their medical examination [Sec. 16, act Feb. 5, 1917]. Upon request of the proper immigration officers, and in accordance with such special departmental authority as may be necessary, to determine the physical and mental condition of aliens charged with being unlawfully in the United States, and who have been taken into custody by the immigration officers under departmental warrants of arrest. Also when requested, to submit in writing for the information of the Secretary of Labor estimates as to the length of time that medical treatment may be needed in such cases [U. S. Immigration Regulations]. To conduct physical and mental examination of aliens along the borders of Canada and Mexico, subject to such special rules and arrangements as the Commissioner-General of Immigration, with the approval of the Secretary of Labor, may prescribe [Secs. Io and 23, act of Feb. 5, 1917]. The scope and volume of this work is indicated by the fact that for the fiscal year 1922, physical and mental examinations of over 1,300,000 immigrants and alien seamen were made at seventy-eight stations in the continental United States, eight in Canada, one in Alaska, and four in the insular possessions. The total number of examinations, however, constituted a reduction of some 700,000 from the previous year. The number of aliens certified for physical or mental defects was 25,815. More than half the examinations were made in New York (282,220), this figure approximating but one-fourth of the previous year's total. The extent of the work is more adequately indicated by the following table: ALIENS EXAMINED AND CERTIFIED FOR DEFECTS, FISCAL YEARS 1921 AND 1922 The officers of the Bureau of Immigration are responsible for the designation of the persons subject to medical examination, and must provide adequate facilities for such work. A brief description of examination procedure is pertinent. The alien to be examined passes before the examining surgeon who first questions the alien as to his age, destination, etc., or propounds to him one or two simple " sums in addition. Immediately afterwards he carefully observes the alien's eyes, tests his pupillary light reflex, and everts the upper eyelids. He then makes an inspection of the alien's scalp, face, neck, and hands. The alien then turns at a right angle, and as he proceeds the medical officer observes the posterior aspects of his scalp as well as his posture and gait. 35 If any abnormality is observed during this inspection the alien is detained for a medical examination, which may include such laboratory tests as are necessary. Should an alien be certified for mental defects the act of February 5, 1917 (Sec 16), gives him the right of appeal" to a board of medical officers of the Public Health Service, and he may introduce before this board, at his own expense, one expert medical witness. Re-examination may be made at the request of the Secretary of 35 Regulations governing the medical inspection of aliens, Public Health Service, Misc. Pub. No. 5, 1917. 30 Alien seamen have the right of appeal also in cases of certification of physical defect. |