Document: 414 U.S. 5 94 S.Ct. 19 38 L.Ed.2d 7 UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICEv.Marciano Haw HIBI. No. 72—1652. Decided Oct. 23, 1973. Rehearing Denied Dec. 10, See 1104, 738. PER CURIAM. 1 Respondent filed his petition for naturalization in the United States District Court Northern of California on September 13, 1967. The granted petition, rejecting negative recommendation examiner appointed by Attorney General pursuant to § 335 Immigration and Nationality Act, 66 Stat. 255, 8 U.S.C. 1446. Appeals affirmed. 475 F.2d (CA9 1973), holding that even though deadline fixed Congress filing applications such as respondent's had expired more than 20 years earlier, petitioner was 'estopped' from relying this fact. 2 born Manila 1917, February 1941 enlisted Philippine Scouts, a unit part Army. He captured Japanese Armed Forces released after six months' internment. In April 1945 liberation Philippines Allied Forces, he rejoined Scouts served until discharge December 1945. 3 Sections 701 702 Act 1940, amended, provided noncitizens who honorably during World War II.* Section exempted certain alien servicemen outside continental limits some usual requirements naturalization, including those period residence literacy English. An amendment section specified all petitions under it be no later 31, 1946. overseas persons eligible were not within jurisdiction any court authorized naturalize aliens; could take place only active service Forces. 705 Commissioner Naturalization, with approval General, make rules regulations necessary carry into effect provisions Act. 4 entered first time 25, 1964, 17 expiration limit established claiming 'exemptions Act.' visitor-for-business visa, which June 30, 1964. His subsequent based assertion Government estopped statutory attached claimed. estoppel said arise petitioner's failure advise him, eligible, right apply provide representative respondent class naturalization. adopted contention, its conclusions upheld Appeals. It is well settled position identical private litigant respect enforcement laws enacted Congress. 6 'As general rule laches or neglect duty officers defense suit enforce public protect interest. . A maintain policy respecting lands holds trust people stands upon different plane other respects ordinary regain title real property remove cloud it.' Utah Power & Light Co. v. States, 243 389, 409, 37 387, 391, 61 L.Ed. 791 (1917). Here has been charged administering an both made available benefits cutoff date benefits. Petitioner, enforcing Congress, recognizing claims conferred While issue whether 'affirmative misconduct' might estop denying citizenship left open Montana Kennedy, 366 308, 314, 315, 81 1336, 313 (1961), conduct sort there adverted involved here. We do think fully publicize rights accorded have stationed Islands representative, can give rise against Government. 9 Respondent's effort claim statute terms before lawsuit must therefore fail. certiorari judgment reversed. 10 MR. JUSTICE DOUGLAS, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL concur, dissenting. 11 today summarily reverses decision Appeals, found 1940.1 reasons arguably applicable because States; implies merely failures 'fully publicize' given 'to representative.' Failures kind could, perhaps, excused if caused exigencies war long good-faith efforts out made. 12 But ignores record decisions below when speaks these failures. 1942, amended 1940 extend individuals fought II, authorizing appointment confer court.2 Between 1943 1946, traveled post post, through England, Iceland, North Africa, islands Pacific, naturalizing thousands foreign nationals mandate 13 story different. After occupation ended, American vice-consul commence proceedings Almost immediately thereafter, expressed concern about Filipino men leaving Territory being citizenship. response concerns, Immigration, 1945, wrote letter recommending 'situation handled revoking authority previously (the vice-consul) omitting designate Islands. .' Commissioner's approved 26, revoked. 14 Because action, Philippines. fact respondent, known naturalized while means available, would applied Instead, discharged thereby losing Act.3 15 Court's opinion deliberate—and successful agents Executive Branch frustrate congressional purpose deny substantive Filipinos administrative fiat, indicating instead affirmative misconduct case. 16 does support conclusion. I grant put case down oral argument. * 701, 702, added Second Powers 56 182, §§ 1001, 1002, 1005 (1940 ed., Supp. V), pertinent part: Sec. 701. '(A)ny person citizen, regardless age, hereafter serves military naval forces present (w)ho shall at enlistment induction resident thereof (a) lawfully admitted Territories possessions, (b) having prior 1, 1943, unable establish lawful admission beyond so may compliance except (1) declaration intention, certificate arrival described group hereof, State required; (2) petitioner; (3) required speak English language, sign own handwriting, meet educational test; Provided, however, That 702. 'During war, entitled serving aliens, accordance without appearing court. sworn before, with, Naturalization Service designated Deputy Commissioner, hereby receive behalf Service, hearings thereon, testimony concerning matter touching way affecting admissibility call witnesses, administer oaths, oath witnesses renunciation allegiance prescribed certificates 705. 'The prescribe furnish forms, regulations, C. 876, 54 1137. As Mar. 27, c. 199, 701—705 waived normal residency Id., aliens when, like they court, but Forces; also explicitly designation effectuate purposes: ..' n. 2, supra. August eight months discharge, agent reappointed four months, 4,000 took advantage opportunity.

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