Being Jewish (even if lapsed) was more of a disadvantage. U.S. immigration policy at the time was heavily influenced by eugenic ideas, and designed to prevent f

Being Jewish (even if lapsed) was more of a disadvantage. U.S. immigration policy at the time was heavily influenced by eugenic ideas, and designed to prevent further Jewish migration, particularly from Eastern Europe. Princeton University (which initially housed the Institute for Advanced Study) had its own anti-Jewish quotas.