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Einstein Becomes Citizen; Judge Sees His Presence Here ‘america’s Gain’

October 2, 1940
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Prof. Albert Einstein, who came to the United States from Germany in 1933, became an American citizen today, taking the oath of allegiance along with 100-odd new citizens in the Federal Court here. His daughter Margot and his secretary Helene Dukas, received their final papers at the same time.

The world-renowned scientist, who lives at nearby Princeton, was welcomed to American citizenship by Federal Judge Philip Forman with the observation that Einstein’s “presence here becomes America’s gain.” Pointing out that he himself was the son of immigrant Jewish parents, Judge Forman said: “I am deeply cognizant that only in America would it be possible for me to occupy the position which I do as the representative of my country.”

“In our concept be (Einstein) was created equal with all men,” the Judge added. “You will observe that Prof. Einstein is admitted to citizenship here in the same democratic method as are all others, but the simplicity of these ceremonies is charact eristic only of that which is America.

“It does not detract from our privilege of providing a homeland for this man who thinks in terms of all the universe. Because of his race his writings were burned and he was forced to flee from his native land.”

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