The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-23
The United states and the German
Dual Citizenship Law.

Dubl
Much as MAURICE LION may differ
from the German sympathizers with
whom he has recently been in contro-
vcrsy. they are in agreement on one
point of vital interest TO Americans.
II Is that under certain circumstances
German may obtain citizenship In
II foreign country without forfeiting
his citizenship in Germany. Mr.. LEON
quotes the law OF July. 1913. as It ap-
pcarcd in the American Journals Of In
trw0 tional Lar for July Of this year;
-V.,.izens,,p ~ not lost by one who. be-
Sare acquiring foreign citizenship. has Sc
cured on application tho written consent
OF the competent authorities Of his home
state to retain his citizenship. Before
this consent is given the German Consul
as to be heard
There is no question Of Germany's en-
tire competence and right to make this
arrangement for her sons domiciled in
foreign lands. The conservation of her
political interests is a matter for her
own wisdom and provision. But the
effect Of such law on the citizenship
Of this country Is a subject that must
engage our earnest study. and II neces-
sarv canse tho revision of orr natrrali-
zation system to prevent the erection
within our citizenship of class OF
fraudulently hyphenatei Americans I'M
like any heretofore existing.
Under our liberal practice an invita-
ton Is given to all men of good dispo-
sition TO acquire citizenship. The alien.
on filing his declaration. must take
oath that it is bona tide his intention
to become citizen Of the United States
and TO rcnounce forever all allegiance
aud fidelity TO any foreign State or
ruler. and particularly to that one of
which he may he a citizen or subject.
Similarly. on the application for adm!s-
sion the alien must make oath that:
HE will support the Constitution OF the
United States. and that he absolutely and
entirely renounces and abjures all allegi-
ance and fidelity to every foreign prince
potentate State or sovereignty. and par
ticulsrly. by name, TO the prince. poten-
tate. State or sovereignty of which he was
before a citizen or subject"
1t will be seen that this oath Is as
searching and inclusive as ii well could
re- The Remuneration is forever, abso
lutte ana entire. No provision is made
for u temporary or limited rcnuncia
ton: the possibility Of dual citizen
ship. or subjec citizenship, is not con
Iemplated by the law. such division
of loyalty, such II commlngling of allegi
ances. as the retention of foreign citi
zenship in company with American citi
zenship. as might be accomplished by
German under the terms of the law
quoted by Mr.. LION, would be repug
nant to American institutions. subve.'
sive of American interests and agains
our public policy.
That an honorable man could sub
scribe to the oaths required while re
serving his original citizenship through
formal arrangement with his nativ
Government Is Incredible. For the de
lection of dishonorabIe men who nigh
attempt such an abuse the examination
us TO fitness TO which each applicant i
subjected offers ample opportun ty
Should citizenship be acquired by fraud
such as false swearing. 1t may be re
yoked Yet there appears 10 be no pro
vision in our law 10 meet the exac
conditions rendered possible by the Ger
man statute. Apparently the Frencl
have found themselves without a sui
able remedy for the same situation, an
their Government has taken steps (:
provide means for the cancellation q
naturalization papers granted to an
person who shall have kept his origlna
nationality"