5699. NATURALIZATION, Laws.—
I
cannot omit recommending a revisal of the
laws on the subject of naturalization. Considering
the ordinary chances of human life,
a denial of citizenship under a residence of
fourteen years is a denial to a great proportion
of those who ask it, and controls a policy
pursued from their first settlement by many
of these States, and still believed of consequence
to their prosperity. And shall we refuse
the unhappy fugitives from distress that
hospitality which the savages of the wilderness
extended to our fathers arriving in this
land? Shall oppressed humanity find no
asylum on this globe? The Constitution, indeed,
has wisely provided that, for admission
to certain offices of important trust, a residence
shall be required sufficient to develop
character and design. But might not the
general character and capabilities of a citizen
be safely communicated to every one manifesting
a bonâ fide purpose of embarking his
life and fortunes permanently with us? with
restrictions, perhaps, to guard against the
fraudulent usurpation of our flag; an abuse
which brings so much embarrassment and
loss on the genuine citizen, and so much
danger to the nation of being involved in
war, that no endeavor should be spared to
detect and suppress it.—
First Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 14.
Ford ed., viii, 124.
(Dec. 1801)
See Citizens and Expatriation.
