Mr. Speaker. of aiding or permitting any foreign syndicates or any syndicates to obtain extensive tracts of land in this country. But this proposition will touch severely a class of immigrants in whose welfare I hope we all feel an interest. and who have added much to the prosperity of this country. The amendment proposed by the gentleman from Alabama denies to any foreigner landing on our shores the right to obtain title to or any interest in any real estateexcept a lease for a term not exceeding five yearsbefore he has become a citizen of the United States. And he can not become a citizen before he has been five years a resident in this country. I do not think that the country whose development has so largely depended on this class of peoplea country that has taken so much pains to invite and encourage immigrationshould adopt such a policy. It is best for this country and for them that those immigrants intending to become citizens of the United States and who have on oath declared their intention to become citizens. should become owners of real estate. Nothing so surely attaches any one to the institutions of a country. or so certainly interests him in its laws and in the preservation of good order. as the ownership of real property. I agree to the amendment to the amendment proposed by the gentleman from New Jerseythat it shall be a condition precedent to the acquisition of real property that they shall on oath declare their intention to become citizens. but beyond that I am not willing to go.
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immigrants immigrationshould