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Fee paid by Italian Gov't.

Fee paid by Italian Gov't.

Posted: 8 Oct 2013 3:25PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Greco
My great grandfather emigrated in 1919 after he was discharged from the Italian army. On the ships manifest it lists in the column who paid the fee "Italian government." furthermore when his wife and children came to follow the fee was also paid by the Italian Government. Does anyone know why this would be or have any insight to this?
Thanks Nick

Re: Fee paid by Italian Gov't.

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 1:22AM GMT
Classification: Query
After WW1 there were strict numbers of immigrants allowed from southern and eastern Europe, only 3% of the total already here. There was also an $ 8.00 immigration fee, doesn't sound like much now but then it could be at least a months wages for a dirt poor immigrant from Italy. The Italian government paid the fee to the US government to help their people move to the US, not altogether high minded as they didn't want angry, unemployed veterans hanging around and thought it would be cheaper to pay their way. I have Italian relatives and some say they paid back the fee and others say they forgot about it the minute they were off the boat.
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