What. then. isAmerican citizenship? This resolution calls upon the President for informationwith regard to American citizens. and hence it is well to inquire who are citizens. American citizenship consists either in being nativeborn or naturalized. according to the laws of Congress. not merely filing a declaration of intention. not merely taking the first step. but going through the successive steps required by the laws of naturalization. and when those steps are completed the naturalized citizen stands under the protection and the authority of this Government with all the rights and all the privileges of a nativeborn citizen. Upon those steps being completed. if the naturalized citizen desires the passport of this Government to follow him and protect him in a journey to a foreign land. he is entitled to it as much as a nativeborn citizen. Passports are only granted and can only be granted lawfully to citizens. nativeborn or naturalized. Let us bear in mind these positions as I proceed with the few remarks I shall submit to the House this morning. that American citizenship consists of birth in the country. or fall and complete naturalization according to the laws providing therefor. A mere domicile. even followed by the first step of a declaration or intention or taking out your first letters as they are called. does not confer upon such person the right to claim the authority of this Government and its passport which shields and protects hin in any portion of the world. It may be well to glance briefly at some of the leading and elementary principles of international and common law with regard to this question of citizenship. the right of at citizen to go from one nation to another. and what right he has to call upon his government for protection when domiciled permanently or temporarily in a foreign country.
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naturalized naturalization