This is a collection of records from the Los Angeles Committee for Protection of Foreign Born (LACPFB), an organization devoted to preserving the democratic ideals of equality by defending the rights and liberties of the foreign born. The Committee was most active between 1950-1963 during the height of McCarthyism. The Committee's activities centered on repealing the Walter-McCarran Law (1952) and defending its victims. The collection consists of open records commonly distributed for public awareness and participation as well as detailed individual case files, including court proceedings and transcripts of high-profile cases handled by the Committee, such as the Terminal Island Four case. The collection reflects the Committee's legal and public activism between 1950-1973.

The American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born is an unaffiliated, non-partisan organization that began in 1933 with the aim of defending the rights and liberties of the foreign born. It promoted better relations and understanding between native and foreign born by means of education and sought cooperation with other organizations. The American Committee encouraged naturalization of non-citizens, and it vigorously fought against discrimination against foreign born citizens because of their nationality, political, economic or religious belief. The American Committee played a pivotal role in preserving the fundamental concepts of equality regardless of race, color, nationality, and creed. In response to the growing anti-immigrant sentiments during the 1950s, regional committees were established in areas with high immigrant population, such as, Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

17 legal document boxes; 5 2/3 linear feet

Copyright has not been assigned to the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research. Researchers may make single copies of any portion of the collection, but publication from the collection will be allowed only with the express written permission of the Library's director. It is not necessary to obtain written permission to quote from a collection. When the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research gives permission for publication, it is as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

The collection is available for research only at the Library's facility in Los Angeles. The Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Researchers are encouraged to call or email the Library indicating the nature of their research query prior to making a visit.