Speaker. I wish to express my strong support for S. 1206 as amended. for in substance. it is identical to H.R. 983. a bill which I originally sponsored. Today we are considering an amendment to section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. which would exempt an alien over 50 years of age and who has been living in the United States for 20 years or more at the time an application for naturalization is filed. from the requirement of understanding the English language. Existing law waives the literacy requirement only in the case of aliens who are physically unable to comply with the provisions and who on December 24. 1952. the effective date of the Immigration and Nationality Act. were over 50 years of age and had been living in the United States for at least 20 years. In other words. the benefits are today available only to persons who are 72 years of age or older. Hence. the effect of this amendment is to eliminate the cutoff date. It is my belief that the legislation we are considering today helps to rectify an unfair and unfortunate situation. The individuals who will be benefited by this bill have passed the age where attending school to fulfill the reading. writing and speaking requirements of the law as it exists. is just not feasible. If an alien over 50 years of age and who has been living in this country for 20 years is otherwise qualified for naturalization there is no valid reason for denying him the privilege of American citizenship. It was the intent of the Congress in enacting the original law that individuals who had lived in this country for many years and who had reached a certain age should be exempted from the obligation of learning to read. write and speak the English language. It is my opinion that the spirit which Congress originally displayed ought to serve as guidance today.
Keywords matched
naturalization Immigration