This statement is attributed to President Truman in the editorial: President Truman had the right idea when he suggested some years ago that every new voter should have to pass the same kind of tests given to aliens seeking naturalization. This would emphasize the value of the franchise and work for sounder government. Certainly a new voter. preparing to take part in vital public decisions. should know as much about his own country as an immigrant from another land. That quotation of President Truman was very stimulating to me. I have noticed throughout the years that he has frequently said things which were stimulating. and sometimes things which were irritating. Sometimes his remarks stimulated in a friendly direction. and this was of that kind. I was thinking about whether it is any more important. in regard to the solution of very serious problems which confront our citizens today. which are settled in the main at the ballot box. for an immigrant. coming from Canada. England. or from wherever else he may be admitted to citizenship. to know something about our Government and to know something about the issues which confront it and the world. compared to the importance of requiring that the youth who attains 21 years of age. required in most States. or a lesser age required in some other States. have a similar understanding of those problems and a similar education. I thought it might be desirable to check on the laws affecting naturalization. and I did so. I checked with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. I found the acts themselves. I shall not encumber the RECORD by placing them all in the RECORD. but I wish to quote one briefly.
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naturalization Immigration Naturalization immigrant