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Editorial
June 29, 1936
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
The editorial highlights the value of U.S. citizenship for state benefits like California's old age pension, citing cases in Imperial County of non-citizens and misregistered citizens denied aid, and warns against seeking citizenship only for gains, emphasizing accompanying duties.
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Full Text
NOT ALL RECEIVING
Citizenship in the United States is a very real asset. Several residents of Imperial county have discovered this truth in the last few months—after it is too late. Others have discovered it throughout the United States.
In Holtville there is a man 66 years old who has been a resident of the United States since he was 13 years of age. Yet he is a subject of His Royal Majesty, King Edward—not a citizen of the United States. Through carelessness, since he is otherwise a desirable resident, this man has neglected through the years to take steps toward becoming a citizen. Perhaps unintentionally he shirked the duties which attach to citizenship. Now he wants to take advantage of the old age pension offered by the state of California. In all other ways he is eligible, yet he cannot receive the pension because he is not a citizen.
In the Bard district of eastern Imperial county there is an old couple, model citizens of their community, highly respected and entirely willing to work. Through an unfortunate accident the husband was injured recently. There is no one on whom they can depend, no one to whom they can turn. They are eligible for old age pensions—except for one thing. They are citizens of the United States but for many years they have found it advisable to maintain official residence and voters' registration in Arizona, across the river, rather than in the state in which they live. Taxes, for one thing, and other business reasons. They are not citizens of California, so they are not eligible for the state's old age pension.
Recently a judge in New Orleans refused the citizenship applications of several aliens because testimony developed that they wished to become citizens in order that they might be available for relief. Similar instances have been reported in many states.
The United States can well do without citizens who are citizens only because of what they get out of it. It is as true as it is trite that citizenship carries with it many duties, as well as many benefits. In the long run, the careless ones, the thoughtless ones and the greedy ones discover that the benefits far outweigh the burden of duties.
Citizenship in the United States is a very real asset. Several residents of Imperial county have discovered this truth in the last few months—after it is too late. Others have discovered it throughout the United States.
In Holtville there is a man 66 years old who has been a resident of the United States since he was 13 years of age. Yet he is a subject of His Royal Majesty, King Edward—not a citizen of the United States. Through carelessness, since he is otherwise a desirable resident, this man has neglected through the years to take steps toward becoming a citizen. Perhaps unintentionally he shirked the duties which attach to citizenship. Now he wants to take advantage of the old age pension offered by the state of California. In all other ways he is eligible, yet he cannot receive the pension because he is not a citizen.
In the Bard district of eastern Imperial county there is an old couple, model citizens of their community, highly respected and entirely willing to work. Through an unfortunate accident the husband was injured recently. There is no one on whom they can depend, no one to whom they can turn. They are eligible for old age pensions—except for one thing. They are citizens of the United States but for many years they have found it advisable to maintain official residence and voters' registration in Arizona, across the river, rather than in the state in which they live. Taxes, for one thing, and other business reasons. They are not citizens of California, so they are not eligible for the state's old age pension.
Recently a judge in New Orleans refused the citizenship applications of several aliens because testimony developed that they wished to become citizens in order that they might be available for relief. Similar instances have been reported in many states.
The United States can well do without citizens who are citizens only because of what they get out of it. It is as true as it is trite that citizenship carries with it many duties, as well as many benefits. In the long run, the careless ones, the thoughtless ones and the greedy ones discover that the benefits far outweigh the burden of duties.
What sub-type of article is it?
Immigration
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Us Citizenship
Old Age Pension
Naturalization
Citizenship Duties
Benefit Eligibility
Imperial County
Arizona Registration
Relief Seekers
What entities or persons were involved?
Imperial County Residents
King Edward
California Old Age Pension
Arizona Voters' Registration
New Orleans Judge
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Importance Of Us Citizenship For Accessing State Benefits Like Old Age Pensions
Stance / Tone
Cautionary Emphasis On Duties And Benefits Of Citizenship
Key Figures
Imperial County Residents
King Edward
California Old Age Pension
Arizona Voters' Registration
New Orleans Judge
Key Arguments
Citizenship In The Us Is A Valuable Asset For Benefits
A 66 Year Old Resident Since Age 13 Cannot Receive California Old Age Pension Due To Remaining A British Subject
An Elderly Couple In Bard District Ineligible For Pension Because Registered To Vote In Arizona For Tax Reasons
Judge In New Orleans Denied Citizenship To Aliens Seeking Relief
Citizenship Entails Duties As Well As Benefits
Us Should Not Accept Citizens Motivated Solely By Personal Gain