Latin American Nations Impose Stringent Immigration Restrictions on Jewish Refugees

Latin American nations previously accepting of European Jewish immigrants deny entry to Jews despite extreme conditions in Europe. Between 1933-1945 only 84,000 Jewish refugees are admitted into Latin American nations, less than half the number allowed in the previous 15 years. Between 1947-1953, an additional 20,000 displaced European Jews emigrate to Latin America, most settling in Argentina. In the post war period, Argentina and other south American countries become safe havens for Nazi officials escaping prosecution for war crimes.