North Dakota Law Review/Volume 1/Number 5/Citizenship Denied

CITIZENSHIP DENIED

Federal Judge Jeremiah Neterer of Washington recently denied the application of one Gust Olson for citizenship. Olson acknowledged that he was a member of the I. W. W., contended that there was no conflict between its principles and the Constitution of the United States, and had the requisite number of character witnesses. He refused, however, to state that he would support the Constitution in any and all circumstances under which it might conflict with the principles laid down by the I. W. W.

In announcing the decision, Judge Neterer compared the by-laws of this organization with the preamble of the Constitution, and then continued:

“The organization recognizes no country and knows no flag, whereas the object of the Constitution of the United States is to insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, etc. It, therefore, recognizes labor and capital. Aliens, seeking citizenship, must swear to support and defend it against all enemies. We can’t have a divided allegiance. Citizenship is a privilege, and to obtain it one must show love for the adopted country. The petitioner has not met the test.”