Lodge Act: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and History

Definition & Meaning

The Lodge Act is a U.S. law enacted in 1950 that permitted foreign nationals who served in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years to apply for U.S. citizenship. Named after Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. from Massachusetts, the Act aimed to recruit individuals who could effectively serve as spies and later reintegrate into their home countries. The Lodge Act was in effect until it expired in 1959 and is also referred to as the Lodge-Philbin Act.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of the Lodge Act in action is a foreign national from a country allied with the U.S. who enlists in the Army, serves for five years, and subsequently applies for U.S. citizenship under the provisions of the Act. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Lodge Act A law allowing foreign nationals in the U.S. Army to gain citizenship. Specific to military service and foreign nationals.
Naturalization The general process for a foreign national to become a U.S. citizen. Does not require military service; applies to all eligible foreign nationals.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a foreign national who served in the U.S. Army and are interested in applying for citizenship, you should gather your service records and consult immigration resources. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in the application process. If your situation is complex, consider seeking professional legal assistance.

Quick facts

  • Year Enacted: 1950
  • Expiration Year: 1959
  • Minimum Service Requirement: Five years
  • Target Group: Foreign nationals serving in the U.S. Army

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The Lodge Act aimed to recruit foreign nationals for military service who could later integrate back into their home countries.