Speech #900204448

Mr. Speaker. as author of preceding related legislation and coauthor of the measure before us here. I most earnestly urge and hope that the House will speedily and overwhelmingly approve H.R. 15147. designed to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to provide for the naturalization of persons who have served in combatant areas in activeduty service in the Armed Forces of the United States. As most Members here are aware. legislation providing for the expeditious naturalization of noncitizens who have rendered honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States covers a span of more than 100 years of American history. Throughout this period of time. when circumstances warranted. our basic naturalization laws have been amended to confer special opportunities for citizenship upon aliens serving honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States. Special benefits for aliens serving in peacetime are included under section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 329 of the act deals with wartime service. and provides that an alien or noncitizen national who has served honorably in an activeduty status in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. World War II. or the Korean hostilities may be naturalized without regard to the requirements concerning age. residence. physical presence. court jurisdiction. or a waiting period. Furthermore. the wartime servicemen can substitute for the lack of a lawful admission for permanent residence his enlistment or induction while in the United States or its possessions. and he can petition anytime after separation if separated under honorable conditions. The bill now before us is primarily designed to extend the special benefits outlined in section 329 to certain servicemen who have served. are now serving or who may serve in Vietnam or in any other area which may be designated by the President of the United States as a military combat area.