Some 3,500 naturalized Americans living in Palestine, facing loss of citizenship unless they can return to the United States by October are petitioning Congress for a respite until the end of the war, it was disclosed today.
Under the U.S. Nationality Act of 1940, naturalized citizens residing abroad face cancellation of their citizenship unless they return to the United States to confirm their status. The petition cites the following reasons for asking an extension of time:
(1) War conditions have severely restricted currency exportation and have made extremely difficult the liquidation of property, businesses and other assets.
(2) Travel to the U.S. from Palestine is presently very difficult. Transportation rates have been raised and there is risk of life in traveling through belligerent areas.
(3) Many American citizens married to aliens are unable to secure non-quota visas for their spouses, yet do not wish to be separated from their families, particularly in wartime.
A special committee has been organized in the United States to seek assistance for American citizens in Palestine, it was reported.
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