Some are physically feeble. Yet they have spent many hours in the classroom learning American history and institutions. And when they come at last before the naturalization judge for the final ceremony. they stand proudly erect as they accept their new obligations as Americans. It is not easy to shed a lifetime of allegiance to a homeland rich in tradition and national spirit. What emotions must have surged through the heart of 93yearold Hyakutaro Kato. the oldest alien in Hawaii to become an American citizen. What memories must have flashed through the mind of Toyozo Doi. 91. as he put aside allegiance to the Japanese emperor and proclaimed his adherence to the American Constitution and the institutions of democracy. Many born to their citizenship take it for granted. No such attitude was exhibited by an elderly Japanese man on Molokai. too feeble to attend the naturalization ceremony. Judge Cable Wirtz administered the oath of citizenship virtually at the deathbed of this intensely devoted new American. The three elderly new Americans discussed were all of Japanese nationality. Japanese make up a very large percentage of the citizens who have been naturalized since the passage of the WalterMcCarran Act removed race as a barrier to citizenship. An almost equally large number of new citizens$ are Filipinos who have decided te make America their home and to take part fully in the life of their new homeland. In smaller numbers there are Chinese.
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