Many of those who serve in our Armed Forces have not yet been granted citizenship in the country whose uniform they so proudly wear. In initiating steps to correct that situation. I have introduced a bill to permit the expeditious naturalization of alien members of the Armed Forces who have served or are serving during the current period of hostilities. My bill will amend the basic Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 by granting to members of the Armed Forces who have served honorably since January 1. 1963. the same exemptions from certain requirements of the naturalization laws as have been granted to veterans of World War I and World War II and the Korean hostilities. My bill retains the essential requirements which relate to good moral character. attachment to the principles of the Constitution. and understanding of the English language. generally applicable to all who petition for U.S. citizenship. My bill eliminates the requirements of minimum age. periods of State or national residence. technical court jurisdiction. and the 30day waiting period between petitioning and final naturalization. Any person who was enlisted or in-. ducted into the Armed Forces within the United States is also exempted from the general immigration requirement that he must have been admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Honorable current service or honorable discharge. if separated from the services. is also required of all applicants who are benefited by my bill. Suffice it to say that it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
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naturalization Immigration immigration