Despite his credentials. however. he was unable to obtain a teaching position because he was not a citizen. and under Federal law at that time could not become one. Undismayed. he joined in intensive efforts to change the law prohibiting citizenship for all persons born in Asia. That law was changed in 1946. and in 194929 years after he landed in AmericaDalip Saund became a U.S. citizen. In November 1956. after serving for 4 years as a judge of the justice court in Westmorland. Calif.. he entered a congressional race against famed aviatrix Jacquelin Cochran Odlum. He won. and became the first person of Asiatic ancestry to be elected to Congress. Contributing largely to that victory were the dedicated efforts of his daughter. Julie. and her husband.