House Resolution 562 stemmed from a Helsinki Commission hearing that I held in 1996 that examined the efforts underway to restore plundered properties in Central and Eastern Europe. One of the witnesses at that hearing explained that under the international law and practice. the U.S. government is only able to seek compensation from foreign governments on behalf of property claimants who were American citizens at the time that their property was taken. In contrast. claimants who were not American citizens when their property was taken have at their disposal only the domestic law of their former country. even if they later became naturalized American citizens. Mr. Speaker. this resolution urges countries to passlaws that will commit their governments to return plundered properties to their rightful owners. or. when actual return of property is not possible. to provide prompt. just. and effective compensation.
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naturalized