Ht may do it the moment he comes here. Any man who wishes to be a citizen may declare his intention the very day he enters the country. I would require him to do it within three to six months after his immigration. I would require a man who came among us to make his living to give a hostage in some form that he would become a citizen of this country. that he would help us to accumulate wealth. that he and his children would be our soldiers and our voters. and that they would be good citizens. Why should we not make such a provision? Is there any good reason to the contrary? Under our present system of immigration when an immigrant lands he may declare his intention to become a citizen if he chooses. There is nothing to prevent him. Then in five years he can take out his final papers. Why should not his time to take out his first papers be limited to three. to six months ? Say to him. "If you intend to make your living in this country and to compete with our workingmen. you must declare your intention to become a citizen in a reasonable time. during which time you may work. and if you do not do it in that time you shall not earn wages until you do it." A man who comes here and intelligently and honestly intends to be a settler and citizen would certainly do it and put himself under the obligations of the Constitution and the protection of the flag. My experience. which has been large upon the bench and otherwise. isthat immigrants should take out their first papers as soon as possible. In my State the Irish. the Germans. and the Poles have come in great numbers. Every one of them. as soon as possible. goes to court and takes out his first papers.
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immigrants immigration immigrant