Speech #590075575

Chairman. that subject is not before us at this time. We are now considering the bill introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. HowELL]. as -reported by the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. which provides. in part. for a uuifbrm rule of naturalization of aliens throughout the United States. I shall address myself especially to section 9 of the bill. which provides. among other things. "that no alien shall hereafter be naturalized or admitted as a citizen of the United States who can not write in his own language or in.the English language. and who can not read. speak. and understand the English language." The reason urged for this 13roDVision is found in the report of the committee. which reads as follows: It has seemed to your committee that any alien of ordilnary intelligence who desires to take advantage of these opportunities and to fit himself for citizenship In our country could. in five years residence. which is required in the country before he can apply for naturalization. acquire sufficient education to comply with the requirements that he shall be able to either read in his own language or In the English language and speak. read. and understand the English language. If. an alien be so deficient in mental capacity as to be unable to meet that requirement or so careless of the opportunities afforded him. it is the opinion of your committee that he would not make a desirable citizen and should be refused naturalization. Mr. Chairman. no one will contend. as an abstract proposition. that it would not be better for the individual that he speak. read. and understand the English language. not because. in my judgment. it would make him a better citizen of the United States. but because it is the language of our country. and with it lie ought to be familiar. But I resent the imputation that the absence of that requirement makes him an undesirable citizen and. therefore. naturalization should be refused him. You will observe that by this bill. although an alien may be of good moral character.a firm believer in our form of government. and willing to support and defend tl. Constitution and laws. and who may possess all the other qualifications of good citizen.ship. yet. lacking this one qualification. namely. to be able to read. speak. and understand the English language. is absolutely Idisqualified.