Fraternity-Testvériség, 1960 (38. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1960-04-01 / 4. szám
FRATERNITY 7 your social security office and make sure than you understand this part of the new law. Benefit payments are not suspended if teh suspension would be contrary to a treaty obligation of the United States existing on August 1, 1956. Such treaty obligations apply only to Ireland, Greece, Japan, Italy, Israel, Western Germany, Nicaragua and the Netherlands. (Only survivors benefits protected by treaty with the Netherlands.) AS A NATURALIZED AMERICAN, WILL I LOSE MY CITIZENSHIP BY LIVING ABROAD AFTER RETIREMENT? Question: I was naturalized as an American citizen twenty years ago and have lived in the United States ever since. I am now retired and receive social security. It would be easier for me to live in a country with lower living expenses, but I do not wish to lose my American citizenship by living abroad permanently. Is there anything I can do about this? Answer: Yes. Very recently Congress enacted a new law which permits naturalized citizens who have resided here at least fifteen years -— formerly it was twenty years — after being naturalized to reside abroad without endangering their citizenship, provided they do NOT establish residence in the country of their birth or former nationality. If you are careful about this last point, you will be able to go abroad for an unlimited period without endangering your citizenship. IS A CHILD BORN ABROAD OF NATIVE AMERICANS A CITIZEN? Question: My wife and I are both native-born American citizens, but we have been living abroad for a number of years because of my job. My wife recently gave birth to a daughter. We want to know whether our child, born abroad, is an American citizen? Answer: Your daughter is an American citizen. A person born outside of the United States of parents, both of whom are citizens of the United States and one of whom has resided in the United States or one of its outlying possessions prior to the birth of such person, is an American citizen by birth. In the case of your daughter, the question is simple and easy to answer. Frequently, however, questions of citizenship in the case of persons born abroad are complicated and can be answered only if the birthdate of the person is known, since our laws have changed several times and the citizenship status of such a person depends on the law in effect on the date of his birth. Also, other factors may have to be considered and an answer can be given only on a case-to-case basis. If there is any question or doubt, it is well to consult a social agency or lawyer who is an expert in these matters.
