Many citizens in this Nation today cannot prove that they are citizens. In the old days many babies were brought into the world by midwives and no records of births have been kept. In many instances files of naturalization papers have been lost. Courthouses and county clerks offices have been destroyed and those who wish to find the records of their birth or the records of their naturalization may be sorely put to it. and there may be some rascals in the Nation who will prey upon these citizens who cannot give proof of their naturalization or of their having been born in this land of ours. Will Rogers. some time ago. tried to get a passport. He had to prove his citizenship. He could not procure a record of his ever having been born here. He was sorely put to it to convince the Department of State he was a citizen. Ordinarily. in the absence of records. birth or citizenship Is established by testimony of two or more eyewitnesses as to birth or naturalization. I will bet few of us in this Chamber could bring forth without the greatest difficulty two witnesses who happened to be present at our birth. See. therefore. how difficult we may make it for citizens who might be accused of being noncitizens. Blackmailers and culprits will be busy in this regard. I do hope. therefore. that the appropriate committee in due course will give consideration to the question of the registering of all persons. aliens and citizens alike. and that proof of birth or naturalization be established more easily. I am for that wholeheartedly. and I may say that there are those who deal in Trojanhorse processes whom we call "fifth columnists." in the ranks of citizens. as well as in the ranks of aliens. There should be attempts mad2 to get after those citizens. as well as getting after the aliens who deal in subversive activities. who seek to overthrow our Government. unfortunately. by force and violence.
Identified stereotypes
Blackmailers and culprits will prey upon citizens who cannot prove their citizenship.