Speaker. on Monday the Supreme Court by a 5to4 vote held that this Congress lacks the constitutional authority to strip Americans of their citizenship without their consent. however grave the offense may be. The Court went beyond the simple facts of the case before it. one involving voting by a U.S. citizen in a foreign election. and said that the 14th amendment makes a citizens nationality inviolate unless he voluntarily gives it up. Under this reasoning it appears that a U.S. citizen. whether by birth or naturalization. can take an oath of allegiance to a foreign power. join the military service of a foreign power. serve as an official of a foreign government. and even be guilty of treason yet not be subJect to loss of U.S. citizenshipsince he can only lose it by his own voluntary renunciation by this decision. What sort of sovereignty is it that has no right to exercise normal expatriation powers? What point is there in providing a naturalization process under which an individual can acquire U.S. citizenship. perhaps only motivated by prospects of economic gain. and then go to the far corners of the world. vote in foreign elections. avoid and evade service in the American armed services. perhaps even hold foreign office while wrapping himself in the American flag and looking for the protection of Uncle Sam at every threat to his property and his own safety? U.S. citizenship is not a oneway streetall privileges and rights and protection but no duties. responsibilities. and obligations of loyalty and service. The Immigration and Nationality Subcommittee of the Judiciary is deeply disturbed as a result of this decision. It is our firm resolve to see that the full sovereign power of expatriation is asserted and again made effective for the United States of America. If it requires a constitutional amendment. then that we must provide.
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naturalization Immigration