Speech #590121871

There is another bill pending before the Senate which does provide that the citizens of Porto Rico shall be citizens of the United States. but that bill. although favorably reported from the committee. is on the Calendar and has not been considered by the Senate. and it would be impossible. I am sure. to get favorable action upon it at this session. In view of that fact I offer this amendment. which simply provides that when a Porto Rican comes to the United States he may stand equally as favorably before the naturalization laws of the United States as the Spaniard or any other alien. and may become a citizen of the United States. The thing that stands in his way now is that he has no allegiance to any foreign potentate or power to renounce. and this simply opens to him a Nfay to become a citizen if he comes here. Now. answering the Senators further suggestion. I thought of offering an amendment to insert the words. after "Alaska." at the bottom of page 2 of the last line. " and for Porto Rico." so that" anyone in the island of Porto Rico who wanted to become a citizen of the United States who is an alien who would comply with the naturalization laws could do so there. But I imagine that would give rise to discussion. and I concluded not to do it for that reason.