New-York tribune., 1906-12-21
FOR NEW PASSPORT LAW
Commission Reports on That and
Similar Subjects.

Washington, Dec 20-Recommendations for
changes IN the naturalization, expatriation and
passport laws and regulations of the United States
were submitted TO Congress to-day by special COM
mission designated by the State Department to in
vestgate the workings OF the present laws and
make report, in accordance with a request from
the House Committee Foreign Affairs. The
committee consisted OF David Jayne Hill, the United
States Minister the Netherlands: James B. Scott
the Solicitor of the State Department. and Gaiard
Hunt the chief OF the passport bureau of the State
Department
Revolutionary changes in the present passport
system recommended. the status of American
women marrying foreigners is defined carefully, the
citizenship OF minor children is made clear and pro-
vision is made for the expatriation of American
citizens who 1--we abroad indefinitely.
a plan for keeping an accurate record OF Anleri-
living abroad is provided for in the recon-
mendations. 1t is suggested that the State De-
parment issue certificates of nativity to all Ameri
can-born citizens living outside the United States.
stating where they were born and their home in
this country. American boys living abroad, when
eighteen years old TO be registered with
American consular officer declaring their intention
become citizens Of this country. and at twenty
they take the oath Of allegiance. All
Americans living outside Of this country to be
required TO register with an American consular
officer at least once year.
The commission suggests that the Secretary Of
State should be authorized to extend protection
ana grant RaSspSrfs % 70 persons who haye declared
that such passports should not be effective in the
country from which the persons enigrated to the
United States
II is recommended that the expatriation of
American citizens be assumed when they obtain
naturalization in another country, when they en-
gage in the service of another power, when
they remain domiciled in a foreign country for
i've years without taking steps 10 maintain their
American citizenship.
American women who marry foreigners should,
IL the opinion Of the committee, be permitted TO
resume their American citizenship II they make ap-
Plieation within one year after the death Of their
husbands or after divorce has been granted. Minor
children born outside of the United States are to
be permitted to become American citizens upon
the naturalization OF parent
The commission would have passports issued for
only TWO years with permission TO extend them
additional two years. Beyond that time only spe-
cial temporary passports would be granted, and
the commission would have report of all such
passports made to the State Department every
three months
In conclusion the report recommends that all
diplomatic officers Of the United States be instruct
ed 20 open negotiations with the foreign govern
lnents which they are accreoIted preparatory to
perfecttng treaty relations in harmony with the
legislation suggested
Under the present laws who is once an
This has caused many perpexing international diff
dculties, especially IN Turkey, where many men
who have American naturalization Ihpers but are
in sense Americans demand the protection OF
the United States. II the recommendations OF the
commission be enacted this country will go prac-
tically upon the basis that England is,
and Will be able TO terminate the American citizen
ship OF persons who 1--we constantly outside this
country.