Of Interest to American Missionaries by William Ambrose Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

Of Interest to American Missionaries

By William Ambrose Spicer

SEVERAL missionaries have asked regarding an act of Congress passed last year relating to the registration of American citizens in consulate offices abroad. Some newspaper reports have incorrectly represented the law. Only citizens by naturalization are required to register in order to retain citizenship, though the privilege of registration given all Americans abroad may be helpful in countries where passport regulations are strict. The Department of State writes us:—

American citizens resident in foreigncountries are invited to register with the nearest American consul, and such consuls are authorized to issue them certificates of such registration, but registration is not required by law, and is designed by the executive to better effect the protection of American citizens resident in foreign countries.

The law does affect the status of a naturalized citizen, resident in other lands. The act provides:—

When any naturalized citizen shall have resided for two years in the foreign state from which he came, or five years in any other foreign state, it shall be presumed that he has ceased to be an American citizen, and the place of his general abode shall be deemed his place of residence during said years: Provided, however, That such presumption may be overcome on the presentation of satisfactory evidence to a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, under such rules and regulations as the Department of State may prescribe.

The evidence that one is under appointment as a missionary, and that he is under obligation, in view of such appointment, to remain longer than the time covered by the passport regulations, will doubtless be accepted as satisfactory in every case.

W. A. S.