free AMERICA'S SMITH ACT VICTIMS SENTENCED FOR THEIR IDEAS!

Paper poster opposing the Smith Act, circa 1950. 11 x 17", in generally excellent condition with a center horizontal fold, issued by the NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO WIN AMNESTY FOR SMITH ACT VICTIMS. The Smith Act (known officially as the Alien Registration Act of 1940) set criminal penalties for advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government and required all non-citizen adult residents to register with the government. More than 200 people were indicted under the legislation including alleged communists and anarchists. Persecution under the Smith Act continued until a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 1957 reversed a number of convictions as unconstitutional. Portrays black and white hands clutching prison bars with a scene of protesters carrying signs as they march toward the White House, urging citizens to "Wire President Truman - NOW!" Quite rare.