Speech #850252139

R. 13378 is a measure worthy of the support of every Member of this body. It was introduced by my good friend and colleague the gentleman from Minnesota . It Is designed to permit the expeditious naturalization of alien spouses and certain adopted children of United States clergymen and missionaries. who are pursuing their religious calling in other countries of the world. The Immigration and Nationality Act now permits naturalization of certain adopted children and spouses of citizens regularly stationed abroad in the Armed Forces. or who are employed by the Government. as well as those employed by certain American firms. corporations. or international organizations to which the United States belongs. Through some oversight alien spouses and adopted children of missionaries were omitted from the provisions of the present law. This bill would eliminate the residence requirements so far as naturalization is concerned for those alien spouses and adopted children of missionaries who are otherwise qualified to become naturalized citizens. Without this bill an adopted child or wife of a missionary must establish 2 years of residence in the case of the child and 3 years residence in the case of the wife. This bill would eliminate that requirement. They would. of course. first have to return to the United States to qualify for naturalization. Certainly these men who are devoting their lives to religious and humanitarian endeavors deserve every consideratiton we can give them. By enacting this legislation we can help to remove at least one of the many difficulties that face them in their tasks.