Speaker. I give my support to this legislation. As a cosponsor of this legislation. and as a sponsor of the original bill in the first session of the 90th Congress providing for the expeditious naturalization of aliens serving in an active combat duty status. I wish to reaffirm my belief that this legislation is a fitting tribute to those aliens who have put their lives on the line in defense of the United States. Recognition of these brave men and women who have earned the privileges of American citizenship through their service in combat areas is by no means an innovation. Congress has a long history of waiving the customary naturalization requirements and extending expeditious benefits of citizenship to those aliens who served in World War I. World War II. and in Korea. Extending these benefits to alien servicemen and women in Vietnam and other combat zones during the life of this bill is the extension of a worthy precedent. There is one greater sacrifice than for a man to lay down his life for his country. That greater sacrifice is for a man to lay down his life in the service of a country that is not his own. The allen combat veteran naturalization bill is proof of the fact that these sacrifices in Southeast Asia have not gone unnoticed. just as those before did not go unnoticed by Congress. Therefore. it is my sincere belief that we will reaffirm our pledge of tribute to those who have earned the privileges of citizenship by passing this bill. It is also my hope that broad support for this measure will bring a prompt and positive response from the Senate so that this policy will soon be the law of the land. making citizenship available to alien combat soldiers of freedom.
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naturalization