The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-01
j. S. CITIZENS
LIVING ABROAD
MUST REGISTER
New Law Effective To
day on Expatriation
and Passports.
Americans Will Go Be-
fore ConsulS With Pa
perS Once a Year.

pGIS OIlCG d cdI.
Throughout the world today there be-
came effective a most important Ameri-
can citizenship law, which abolishes the
long-standing presumption that a man
once an American Is always an Ameri-
can.
This law, which was created at the
last session Of Congress on the urgent
recommendation OF Secretary Root and
a special board which he appointed 10
make suggestions 10 remedy the exist
ing evil. is stringent in its provisions
requiring all Americans living abroad
TO register once a year at the nearest
American consular Office 20 retain their
citizenship with this Government.
Far-Reaching Enactment.
The value Of the new enactment IS
expected 10 prove far-reaching. It is
calculated 20 save much international
litigation resulting from naturalized
Americans calling upon this Government
for protection in foreign countries. par
t!cularly Turkey, Russia Italy, and
Austria-Hungary. Many cases have
come up where natives OF those and
even several other countries. who have
been naturalized in America, have re-
turned 10 their native land 10 engage
in business and claim the protection Of
the American government. In rioting
end other difficulties such people not
only cause this country embarrassment
with the country in which the trouble
occurs. but also results in an expendi-
ture OF indemnity money.
Americans Must Register.
BY the new law. beginning with today.
all native-born and 2sturaiized Ameri-
cans living abroad must register and
receive a certificate Of registration.
This applies 10 all persons who have
lived abroad more than two years, at
which time their passports shall in the
future expire. Thereafter. proper proof
OF their claims upon this Government
IS held in the certificate Of citizenship,
which is meant to be retained.
New Passport Regulations.
The new law makes radical changes
In the naturalization, expatriation, and
passport regulations. as existing for
several years past Revolutionary
changes are made in the old passport
system; the status Of American women
who have married foreigners and wish
To regain their citizenship is clearly de-
fined: the citizenship OF minor children,
over which there has been much diff
Guilty. IS made clear, and provision is
made for the expatriation Of American
citizens who live abroad definitely. The
law was enacted on recommendation
contained in a lengthy report of the
special commission. which was COM
posed Of DR.. David Jayne Hill, minister
TO The Netherlands, chairman; DR..
James 5. Scott. solicitor OF the State
Department, and Gaillard Hunt, chief OF
the Passport Bureau OF the State De-
partment. This commission met in
Washington last summer, and made a
careful study ana detailed report on
the existing American citizenship situa-
ton in all countries Of the world.
Special reports were obtained from
diplomatic and consular officers for
their guidance.
Putting Law Into Effect.
Putting the law into effect will be at
tended with considerable difficulty. Al
ready scores of communications have
been received by the diplomatic and con-
sular officials. protesting against the
law as unfair The gist OF these pro-
tests have been sent TO the state De-
partment. A surprisingly large number
OF them are from American women who
have married foreigners. become sepa-
rated from their husbands and continue
to live abroad. Many who apparently
wish 10 be classed as prominent in GER
tain foreign society circles appear 10
wish to be considered as Americans in
some places. where they live or visit, as
English women at others, and still
others affect the nationality of the
French or German at other places.
While wishing TO retain their American
citizenship, they protest against going
on record
Foreign-Born Americans.
4 greater difficulty is being met with
the foreign-born American citizens, who
return to their native country TO engage
in business and wish to be considered
as a citizen of that country. When
any difficulty arises. they wish to ap-
neal to the American Government for
protection or TO obtain satisfaction for
them. yet they do not wish to be placed
State Department officials are greatly
surprised at the number of American
citizens, or would-be American citizens,
living abroad. Circulars Of instruction
concerning the enforcement Of the new
law. have been sent to every consular
and diplomatic office abroad. and the
American officials were directed to
widely advertise in the local press the
fact that such law was being made
effective, and all persons interested
should apply for information.
Interest in Russia and Turkey.
In Paris. alone, it develops that nearly
0.0O0 persons are interested; in London,
about 5000 have been heard from; IN
Germany, inquiries have been made in
behalf of nearly 1900 persons. while the
number is equally surprising in Russia,
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