Speech #920032691

Mr. President. in 1952. the Immigration and Nationality Act was amended to permit alien applicants for naturalized citizenship. who were 50 years of age and had resided in the United States for a period of 20 years. an exemption from the requirement of understanding the English language. including the ability to read. write. and speak it. in order to qualify for naturalization. Instead. they would be permitted to make the citizenship exam in their native language. being orally tested as to their knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and of the principles and form of Government of the United States. Eighteen years have passed since the cutoff date in the 1952 legislation. This new bill would extend the exemption to applicants for naturalization who have attained the age of 50 and have resided in the United States for 20 years as of the date of filing the petition for naturalization. Many aliens who qualify in age and years of residence and who. because of family obligations. the need and urgency of making a living. as well as the unavailability of English language and citizenship programs to aid them. have been unable to acquire and develop a reading and writing ability of the English language. Many of these aliens have children who are not only U.S. citizens but many who have served in our Armed Forces and some who have died for their country.