Speech #850252142

They expect to return to Japan in July or August of 1959. During their last tour of duty in Japan they adopted a child. in conformity with Japanese law. and have brought this child with them to the United States. They would like for this child to become a naturalized citizen. but. of course. they cannot begin the necessary procedures until the customary residence and physicalpresence requirements have been complied with. It is impossible for them to comply with these requirements because of their missionary duties in other lands for long periods of time. and with only occasional sabbatical leaves here in the continental United States. which normally run only 12 or 14 months at a time. Under existing law certain adopted children may be naturalized without compliance with these customary residence and physicalpresence requirements if the adoptive parents are regularly stationed abroad in the Armed Forces. or in the employ of the Government of the United States. or of certain firms. corporations. or organizations. This bill would make these special benefits also available to missionaries. if the adoptive parent is engaged as a missionary by a religious denomination or by an interdenominational mission organization having a bona fide organization within the United States. I urge favorable consideration of this legislation.