Opinion
David N. Mossessohn, for applicant.
Walter H. Evans, Asst. U.S. Atty.
BEAN, District Judge.
George Shapiro, an alien, has applied to be admitted to citizenship. He was born November 4, 1885, emigrated to the United States in December, 1904, and made his declaration of intention on January 16, 190k. At that time he was but 19 years, 2 months, and 12 days old, and the point is made that the declaration was not authorized by the naturalization law then in force, and therefore Shapiro may not now be lawfully admitted to citizenship.
Page 607.
The declaration of intention was made under section 2165, Rev. St. (U.S. Comp. St. 1901, p. 1329) the law in force prior to Naturalization Act June 29, 1906, c. 3592, 34 Stat. 596 (U.S. Comp. St. Supp. 1909, p. 477). There is nothing in it to indicate that the declarant must be of any particular age at the time of making his declaration, and the question whether a minor could lawfully make such declaration has been a frequent subject of discussion in the courts. It was assumed, rather than declared, by this court, soon after the act of 1906 became effective, that he could not; but all subsequent decisions of which I am aware, except that of Judge Landis, in Re Spitzer (C.C.) 160 F. 137, are that a minor who has reached years of discretion could make the necessary declaration required by section 2165, and that such declaration is a sufficient basis for a final adjudication under the provisions of the act of 1906. It was so held by the Court of Appeals of the Second Circuit in U.S. v. George, 164 F. 45, 90 C.C.A. 463; by Judge Van Fleet, in Re Polsson (C.C.) 159 F. 283; by Judge Sanborn, in Re Symanowsski (C.C.) 168 F. 978; and by Judge Chatfield, in Re Gross (D.C.) 160 F. 739.
The applicant's declaration of intention is therefore sufficient, and the evidence as to residence, character, and fitness being in all respects free from exception, and sufficient to satisfy the law as to his general qualifications, his petition should be granted; and it is so ordered.