Answer:
\ The author is referring to the belief held by some in the US government at the time that Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany were not a priority and that it was more important to focus on admitting refugees who were deemed politically favorable, such as those who were anti-Nazi or potential allies in the war effort. The author suggests that this attitude led to a lack of action on the part of the US government to help the Jewish refugees aboard the St. Louis, and instead they were turned away and sent back to Europe.
Step-by-step explanation: