Speech #800205967

The purpose of this bill is to exempt Puerto Ricans. who were collectively naturalized as citizens of the United States. from the expatriation provisions of section 404 (c) of the Nationality Act of 1940. JU1E 16 1948 C M Now. we have this situation with respect to Puerto Rico. When we took over Puerto Rico some 50 years ago they went ahead under the jurisdiction of the United States until the organic act was passed. at which time Puerto Ricans were made citizens of the United States and riaturalized. Then in 1940 there was an act passed which provided that if Puerto Ricans who had. prior to that time become naturalized citizens of the United States under the act of Congress should leave Puerto Rico. for instance to go to Brazil. and remove themselves from Puerto Rico for a period of 5 years. let us say. that they would lose their citizenship. That was the 1940 act. This bill seeks to remedy that situation. that Puerto Ricans. who are citizens of the United States. may leave Puerto Rico for a period of 5 years. and still retain their citizenship as citizens of the United States. and the committee has felt that they should thus be protected.