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The original documents are located in Box 47, folder "6/15/76 S1699 Relief of Mrs Hope
Namgyal" of the White House Records Office: Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Exact duplicates within this folder were not digitized.
Digitized from Box 47 of the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
APPROVED JUN 15
15/15/76
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Last Day: June 16
June 14, 1976
losted
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE PRESIDENT
6/16/76
FROM:
JIM CANNON
archines
SUBJECT:
S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs.
Hope Namgyal
Attached for your consideration is S. 1699, sponsored
by Senator Mansfield, which would grant permanent
resident status to Mrs. Hope Namgyal, the American-born
wife of the deposed Crown Prince of Sikkim.
Mrs. Namgyal, the former Hope Cook of New York, renounced
her U.S. citizenship in 1963 when she married the
Crown Prince as Sikkim did not allow dual citizenship.
Additional information is provided in OMB's enrolled
bill report at Tab A.
OMB, Max Friedersdorf, NSC, Counsel's Office (Lazarus)
and I recommend approval of the enrolled bill.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign S. 1699 at Tab B.
DERALD FORD LIBRARY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
MICH
STATES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JUN 9 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
Sponsor - Sen. Mansfield (D) Montana
Last Day for Action
June 16, 1976 - Wednesday
Purpose
To grant permanent resident status to the American-born wife
of the deposed Crown Prince of Sikkim.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Approval
Department of State
No objection
Discussion
Mrs. Hope Namgyal is a 35-year old native of the United States
and citizen of India who was married to the then Crown Prince
of Sikkim on March 20, 1963. On March 25, 1963, she renounced
her U.S. citizenship in Calcutta because Sikkim law does not
permit dual citizenship. Because of civil upheaval in Sikkim
Mrs. Namgyal returned to the United States as a visitor on
August 23, 1973 and currently resides in New York City with her
12-year-old son, 8-year-old daughter, and 20-year-old stepdaughter
who were admitted on student visas. The Crown Prince and stepson
remain in Sikkim under house arrest.
Mrs. Namygal's visitors visa expired on May 24, 1975 and INS
instituted deportation proceedings against her on May 29, 1975
on the ground that she had remained in the United States after
FORD
2
her visa had expired. However, the deportation proceedings
were stayed pending the outcome of this private relief
legislation.
S. 1699 as first introduced and passed in the Senate would
have restored U.S. citizenship to her through naturalization.
However, the bill was amended in the House and passed in both
the House and Senate to grant her permanent residence rather
than restore the U.S. citizenship which was renounced
voluntarily. Absent approval of this measure, Mrs. Namgyal
will be subject to deportation if she fails to leave the
United States voluntarily.
James m. Director Trey for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: June 100
Time:
Dick Parsons ohm
100pm
FOR ACTION:
Max Friedersdorf
cc (for information):
Jack Marsh
NSC/S on
Jim Cavanaugh
Mar
Ed Schmults
Ken ter hapres & oh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
June 11
200pm
SUBJECT:
S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Pleaserreturn to Judy Johnston, Ground FLoor West Wing
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
K.R. COLE, JR.
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE
PLEASE ADDRESS REPLY TO
Washington 25, D.C.
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
AND REFER TO THIS FILE NO.
4 JUN 1976
A20 820 857
TO
: OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SUBJECT: Enrolled Private Bill No. S. 1699
; Office of Management
and Budget request dated June 3, 1976
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries Mrs. Hope Namgyal
Pursuant to your request for the views of the Department of Justice on
the subject bill, a review has been made of the facsimile of the bill, the re-
lating Congressional Committee report or reports, and all pertinent information
in the files of the Immigration and Naturalization Service
On the basis of this review the Immigration and Naturalization Service,
on behalf of the Department of Justice:
X
Recommends approval of the bill
Interposes no objection to approval of the bill
Sincerely,
Exapinant
Commissioner
CO Form 18
(REV. 1-17-72)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
I
Washington, D.C. 20520
JUN 4 1976
Dear Mr. Lynn:
Reference is made to Mr. Frey's communication
of June 3, 1976, transmitting for comment enrolled
bill, S. 1699, "For the relief of Mrs. Hope
Namgyal".
This Department's files contain no information
identifiable with the above cited bill, and in the
absence of any derogatory information, this Department
has no objection to the enactment of this bill.
Sincerely yours,
R chert June Closkey
Robert J. McCloskey
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations
The Honorable
James T. Lynn
Director,
Office of Management
and Budget.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
Time:
June 10
100pm
Dick Parsons
FOR ACTION:
Max Friedersdorf
CC (for information):
Jack Marsh
NSC/S
Jim Cavanaugh
Ken Lazarus
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
June 11
200pm
SUBJECT:
S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground FLoor West Wing
No objection Ken Lazarus 6/10/76
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James M. Cannon
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
3380
June 10, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JAMES M. CANNON
FROM:
Jeanne W. Dav
AND
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 1699
The NSC Staff has no objection to the proposed Enrolled Bill S. 1699 -
Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: June 10
Time:
100pm
Dick Parsons
FOR ACTION:
Max Friedersdorf
CC (for information):
Jack Marsh
NSC/S
Jim Cavanaugh
Ken Lazarus
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
June 11
200pm
SUBJECT:
S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Approve. RP
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground FLoor West Wing
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James M. Cannon
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 11, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CAVANAUGH
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF m.b.
SUBJECT:
S.1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
The Office of Legislative Affairs concurs with the agencies
that the
subject bill be signed
Attachments
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
8-9-76
CERTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JUN 9 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 1699 - Relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal
Sponsor - Sen. Mansfield (D) Montana
Last Day for Action
June 16, 1976 - Wednesday
Purpose
To grant permanent resident status to the American-born wife
of the deposed Crown Prince of Sikkim.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Approval
Department of State
No objection
Discussion
Mrs. Hope Namgyal is a 35-year old native of the United States
and citizen of India who was married to the then Crown Prince
of Sikkim on March 20, 1963. On March 25, 1963, she renounced
her U.S. citizenship in Calcutta because Sikkim law does not
permit dual citizenship. Because of civil upheaval in Sikkim
Mrs. Namgyal returned to the United States as a visitor on
August 23, 1973 and currently resides in New York City with her
12-year-old son, 8-year-old daughter, and 20-year-old stepdaughter
who were admitted on student visas. The Crown Prince and stepson
remain in Sikkim under house arrest.
Mrs. Namygal's visitors visa expired on May 24, 1975 and INS
instituted deportation proceedings against her on May 29, 1975
on the ground that she had remained in the United States after
Attached document was not scanned because it is duplicated elsewhere in the document
Calendar No. 423
94TH CONGRESS
SENATE
REPORT
1st Session
No. 94-437
MRS. HOPE NAMGYAL
OCTOBER 29, 1975.-Ordered to be printed
Mr. EASTLAND, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 1699]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to which was referred the bill
(S. 1699) for the relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal, having considered
the same, reports favorably thereon with amendments and recom-
mends that the bill, as amended, do pass.
AMENDMENTS
1. On page 1, in lines 8 and 9, beginning with the words "or before",
strike the following language: "or before any diplomatic or consular
officer of the United States abroad,".
2. On page 2, line 2, change the period to a colon and add the
following:
Provided, That nothing contained herein or in any other
provision of law shall be construed as conferring United
States citizenship retroactively upon the said Mrs. Hope
Namgyal during any period in which she was not a citizen.
SEC. 2. The oaths prescribed by section 337 of the Act shall
be entered in the records of the naturalization court, and a
certified copy of the proceedings under the seal of the court
shall be delivered to the said Mrs. Hope Namgyal upon pay-
ment of the $25.00 naturalization fee, which certified copy
shall be evidence of the facts stated therein before any court
of record or judicial tribunal or in any department or agency
of the government of the United States.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of the bill, as amended, is to provide for the restora-
tion of U.S. citizenship to Mrs. Hope Namgyal which was lost when
she married the then Crown Prince of Sikkim and was thereby obliged
57-007
ESA
2
3
to relinquish her U.S. citizenship. The bill has been amended SO that
mob disorders in the principality, she returned to the United
the beneficiary's children will not automatically become U.S. citizens
States as a nonimmigrant visitor on August 23, 1973 and sub-
upon restoration of her U.S. citizenship.
sequently received extensions of stay until May 24, 1975. On
May 29, 1975 deportation proceedings were instituted against
STATEMENT OF FACTS
her on the ground that she had remained in the United States
for a longer time than permitted.
The beneficiary of the bill is a 35-year-old native of the United
Mrs. Namgyal is presently residing in New York City with
States and citizen of India who was married to the then Crown Prince
her two children who were admitted as nonimmigrant stu-
of Sikkim on March 20, 1963: She renounced her U.S. citizenship on
dents on September 6, 1974 and September 9, 1975. A step-
March 25, 1963 in Calcutta as she was obliged to do by Sikkimese law.
daughter, Yangchen Namgyal, who was born on Feb-
A son and a daughter were born of this marriage in India February 20,
ruary 28, 1956 in India, also resides with them. She was also
1964 and February 12, 1968, respectively. Because of disorders in
admitted as a nonimmigrant student on September 14, 1974.
Sikkim, the beneficiary returned to the U.S.a assisitor on August 23,
Mrs. Namgyal's husband and stepson, Tenzing Namgyal, are
1973 and presently resides in New York City with her children who
under house arrest in Gangton, Sikkim. Another stepson,
were admitted as students. Her 19-year-old stepdaughter, who was
Wong Chuk, is a student in London, England. Mrs. Na-
born in India, also resides with her. The beneficiary's husband and
mgyal's parents are deceased. She has two half sisters, Har-
stepson are under house arrest in Sikkim.
riet Townsend Olds and Hilary Coone.
A letter, with attached memorandum, dated August 14, 1975 to the
The beneficiary is not employed. Her property consists of
chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary from the Com-
stocks and bonds valued at $600,000.
missioner of Immigration and Naturalization with reference to the
Senator Mike Mansfield, the author of the bill, has submitted the
bill reads as follows:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
following letter dated September 2, 1975 in connection with the case:
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE,
Washington, D.C., August 14, 1975.
U.S. SENATE,
OFFICE OF THE MAJORITY LEADER,
A20 820 857.
Washington, D.C., September 2, 1975.
Hon JAMES O. EASTLAND,
Hon. JAMES O. EASTLAND,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN In response to your request for a report rela-
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter
tive to the bill (S. 1699) for the relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal, there
of August 21 relative to S. 1699 which I introduced on behalf of Mrs.
is attached a memorandum of information concerning the beneficiary.
Hope Namgyal.
The bill provides that the beneficiary may be naturalized by taking,
Mrs. Namgyal is the wife of the ruler of Sikkim who was deposed
within one year from the effective date of enactment, the oaths pre-
some time ago by the Indian government. She is the former Hope Cook
scribed by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It
of New York and, I believe, is now forbidden to return to Sikkim.
further provides that she shall have the same citizenship status as
I am not sure, but I believe, because of the circumstances which have
that which existed immediately prior to its loss,
developed in that country, they are now divorced, but I do know that
Sincerely,
she wants to have her American citizenship restored and I would have
L. F. CHAPMAN, Jr.,
no hesitation in recommending that she be given every consideration.
Commissioner.
It was under Section 349 (a) (6) of the Immigration and Nationality
Enclosure,
Act of 1952 that Mrs. Namgyal gave up her citizenship.
Furthermore, I believe that Congressman James Symington intro-
MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION FROM IMMIGRATION AND
duced a bill similar to mine last May or June and, if you need any
NATURALIZATION SERVICE FILES RE S. 1699
further information, I would suggest that you get in touch with him,
The beneficiary, Mrs! Hope Namgyal, a native of the
and for recommendations, I would suggest the names of Senator Stuart
United States and a citizen of India, was born on June 24,
Symington and Mrs. Molly Thayer and Senator Claiborne Pell.
1940. On March 20, 1968 she married Palden Thondup
Must close now, but hoping this will be sufficient to answer your
Namgyal, the Chogyal of Sikkim. She has son and daughter
questions, and with best personal wishes, I am
from this marriage. Palden and Hope were born February 20,
Sincerely yours,
1964 and February 12, 1968 respectively, in India.
MIKE MANSFIELD.
When Mrs, Namgyal married the then Crown Prince of
Sikkim. she was obliged by Sikkimese law. to relinquish her
The committee, after consideration of all the facts in the case, is
United States citizenship. She renounced her United States
of the opinion that the bill (S. 1699), as amended, should be enacted.
citizenship in Calcutta, India on March 25, 1963. Because of
S.R. 437
S.R. 437
94TH CONGRESS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPORT
2d Session
No. 94-912
MRS. HOPE NAMGYAL
MARCH 16, 1976.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House and
ordered to be printed
Mr. EILBERG, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 1699]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill
(S. 1699), for the relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal, having considered the
same, report favorably thereon with amendment and recommend that
the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof the
following:
That, for the purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Mr. Hope
Mamgyal shall be held and considered to have been lawfully admitted to the
United States for permanent residence as of the date of the enactment of this
Act, upon payment of the required visa fee.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of this bill, as amended, is to grant the status of perma-
nent residence in the United States to Mrs. Hope Namgyal. The bill
has been amended to grant permanent residence rather than to restore
United States citizenship which was renounced voluntarily.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The beneficiary of the bill is a 35-year-old native of the United
States and citizen of India who was married to the then Crown Prince
of Sikkim on March 20, 1963. She renounced her U.S. citizenship on
March 25, 1963 in Calcutta as she was obliged to do by Sikkimese law.
A son and a daughter were born of this marriage in India February 20,
1964 and February 12, 1968, respectively. Because of disorders in Sik-
kim, the beneficiary returned to the U.S. as a visitor on August 23,
1973 and presently resides in New York City with her children who
were admitted as students. Her 19-year-old stepdaughter, who was
57-007
2
3
born in India, also resides with her. The beneficiary's husband and
under house arrest in Gangton, Sikkim. Another stepson,
stepson are under house arrest in Sikkim.
Wong Chuk, is a student in London, England. Mrs. Na-
A letter, with attached memorandum, dated August 14, 1975 to the
mgyal's parents are deceased. She has two half sisters, Har-
chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary from he Commis-
riet Townsend Olds and Hilary Coone.
sioner of Immigration and Naturalization with reference to the bill
The beneficiary is not employed. Her property consists of
reads as follows:
stocks and bonds valued at $600,000.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
Senator Mike Mansfield, the author of the bill, has submitted the
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE,
Washington, D.C. August 14, 1975.
following letter dated September 2, 1975 in connection with the case:
A20 820 857.
U.S. SENATE,
Hon. JAMES O. EASTLAND,
OFFICE OF THE MAJORITY LEADER,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, D.C., September 2, 1975.
U.S. Senate, ashington, D.C.
Hon. JAMES O. EASTLAND,
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN In response to your request for a report rela-
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
tive to the bill (S. 1699) for the relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal, there
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
is attached a memorandum of information concerning the beneficiary.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter
The bill provides that the beneficiary may be naturalized by taking,
of August 21 relative to S. 1699 which I introduced on behalf of Mrs.
within one year from the effective date of enactment, the oaths pre-
Hope Namgyal.
cribed by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It fur-
Mrs. Namgyal is the wife of the ruler of Sikkim who was deposed
ther provides that she shall have the same citizenship status as that
some time ago by the Indian government. She is the former Hope Cook
which existed immediately prior to its loss.
of New York and, I believe, is now forbidden to return to Sikkim.
Sincerely,
I am not sure, but I believe, because of the circumstances which have
L. F. CHAPMAN, Jr.,
developed in that country, they are now divorced, but I do know that
Commissioner.
she wants to have her American citizenship restored and I would have
Enclosure.
no hesitation in recommending that she be given every consideration.
It was under Section 349 (a) (6) of the Immigration and Nationality
MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION FROM IMMIGRATION AND
Act of 1952 that Mrs. Namgyal gave up her citizenship.
NATURALIZATION SERVICE FILES RE S. 1699
Furthermore, I believe that Congressman James Symington intro-
duced a bill similar to mine last May or June and, if you need any
The beneficiary, Mrs. Hope Namgyal, a native of the
further information, I would suggest that you get in touch with him,
United States and a citizen of India, was born on June 24,
and for recommendations, I would suggest the names of Senator
1940. On March 20, 1963 she married Palden Thondup
Stuart Symington and Mrs. Molly Thayer and Senator Claiborne
Namgyal, the Chogyal of Sikkim. She has a son and daughter
Pell.
from this marriage. Palden and Hope were born February 20,
Must close now, but hoping this will be sufficient to answer your
1964 and February 12, 1968 respectively, in India.
questions, and with best personal wishes, I am
When Mrs. Namgyal married the then Crown Prince of
Sincerely yours,
Sikkim, she was obliged by Sikkimese law to relinquish her
MIKE MANSFIELD.
United States citizenship. She renounced her United States
citizenship in Calcutta, India on March 25, 1963. Because of
Mr. Symington, the author of a companion bill (H.R. 6855) sub-
mob disorders in the principality, she return to the United
mitted the following letter and statement in support of this legislation:
States as a nonimmigrant visitor on August 23, 1973 and sub-
sequently received extensions of stay until May 24, 1975. On
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
May 29, 1975 deportation proceedings were instituted against
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
her on the ground that she had remained in the United States
Washington, D.C., May 13, 1975.
for a longer time than permitted.
Hon. JOSHUA EILBERG,
Mrs. Namgyal is presently residing in New York City with
Chairman, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Interna-
her two children who were admitted as nonimmigrant stu-
tional Law, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
dents on September 6, 1974 and September 9, 1975. A step-
DEAR Josh: With reference to our brief conversation regarding Mrs.
daughter, Yangchen Namgyal, who was born on Feb-
Hope Namgyal, I have introduced a bill, H.R. 6855, to reinstate Mrs.
ruary 28, 1956 in India, also resides with them. She was also
Namgyal's U.S. citizenship which she renounced in 1963 in order to
admitted as a nonimmigrant student on September 14, 1974.
marry the Crown Prince of Sikkim. Attached is a statement from Mrs.
Mrs. Namgyal's husband and stepson, Tenzing Namgyal, are
Namgyal explaining the background of her situation.
H.R. 912
H.R. 912
4
5
Mrs. Namgyal last entered the U.S. on August 23, 1973, under a non-
I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in February of 1963 with
immigrant visa issued in Calcutta. She has been residing at 11 East
a Bachelor of Arts degree.
68th Street, New York, New York.
I married my husband the-then Crown Prince of Sikkim in 1963. By
I am requesting that the Attorney General make a report on the bill.
Sikkimese law I had to give up my U.S. citizenship, as Sikkim, being
I realize that under the Subcommittee's Rule #4 a departmental re-
a small country territorially, did not allow dual citizenship. I, not only
port will not be requested on aliens who have been admitted under a
by Sikkimese law had to relinquish my U.S. citizenship but also felt
nonimmigrant visa except in order to prevent undue hardship. As
that that act would reflect my integrity as an American and a Sik-
Mrs. Namgyal explains in her statement, both she and her children
kimese-that the involvement and energy I would put into work in
would face grave danger should they return to Sikkim. Mrs. Namgyal
Sikkim, although based upon my American education and ideals could
has delayed action to regain here U.S. citizenship because she did not
then not be politically misconstrued as being the actions of an "Ameri-
want to prejudice her husband's position in Sikkim. However, as the
can arm" in the Himalayas. To live in Sikkim was to be part of a
enclosed newspaper articles indicate, recent events in Sikkim prohibit
wonderfully woven group-everyone shared and participated. I, too,
any further delay.
was part of that fabric. My children, Palden, born in 1964, and Hope
It is my understanding that Senator Mansfield has introduced a simi-
Leezum, born in 1968, went to a village school where most of the
lar bill, S. 1699, for Mrs. Namgyal in the Senate. I realize special bills
children were the sons and daughters of farmers and lower income
for this purpose are very rare. They should certainly not be lightly
government workers. I chose that school for my children instead of
entertained. Hope's circumstances are completely unique. She gave up
the several elite schools in Gangtok, because I wanted my children
a precious citizenship only to place herself in a position to marry the
not just to be part of Sikkim but part of the very grass roots of the
man she loved. This very requirement would not have existed were this
country.
man not the head of a royal family which has now been dethroned by
The palace which was small was open to anyone who came and
force by the Indian Government. The Government would now absorb
Hope as a citizen of India, an understandably repugnant state of
together. people did come freely all the time-to sit, talk, eat and simply be
affairs. A nation which can embrace returning deserters and refugees
In April, 1973, that harmony, that woven society was slashed by the
from foreign lands can certainly, it seems to me, find it possible to wel-
unprecedented cruelly disruptive beginning of mob disorders-mobs
come back one of its own whose only failure was to have followed the
and disorders are not a Sikkimese characteristic. I will say no more
dictates of her heart. In all events, any help you can provide would be
than that as to their inspiration and origin.
deeply appreciated.
Life became hell. All the work that I and others had shared in to
With all best,
help develop: education, cottage industries, health, social services, etc.
Sincerely,
was shattered. Also by virtue of being born American I became an
JAMES W. SYMINGTON.
easy target for people who wanted to say that Sikkim's special identity
and needs existed only in my mind and public relations. My being there
STATEMENT OF MRS. NAMGYAL TO CONGRESSMAN JAMES SYMINGTON IN
seemed counter-productive, both for Sikkim's integrity, America's
SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR CITIZENSHIP AND STAY OF DEPORTATION
and my own. Day by day life deteriorated rapidly from 1973 on. My
children who had once run through the town and countryside free as
I, Mrs. Hope Namgyal, née Hope Cooke, make this statement in
urchins were suddenly faced with ongoing physical danger. During the
support of a stay of deportation and the granting of a private bill
last two (2) years the danger has accelerated at a horrible rate. There
restoring U.S. citizenship to myself.
have been murders, kidnappings, "people's jails" where victims are
I was born in San Francisco on June 24, 1940, the child of Mr. and
kept and tortured by organized youth gangs.
Mrs. John Cooke. After my mother died when I was approximately
During this February there was an attempt on the life of my eldest
two years old, I was brought up in New York City by my maternal
stepson, Tenzing Namgyal, as well as against my husband.
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Winchester Noyes, who became my legal
During the past months the palace has been stormed by troops and
guardians. After both of my grandparents had passed away when I
my husband and his son placed under house arrest.
was fourteen (14) years of age, my aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs.
When I was in Sikkim I served it well and loyally, often at some
Selden Chapin became my guardians. My uncle, Selden Chapin, was
cost and sacrifice to myself. Giving up my U.S. citizenship as required
the former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, Iran and other
by Sikkim law was perhaps one of my greatest sacrifices. Now I deeply
countries.
pray for the chance to regain my U.S. citizenship to make a small dur-
I attended the following schools in the United States: The Chapin
able life for myself and children and to reinstill in them some measure
School in New York, N.Y.; The Madeira School in Greenway, Vir-
of hope, confidence and idealism.
ginia; and Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, N.Y.
Since being here they and I are beginning to feel some sense of secu-
I lived for one (1) year with my uncle, Selden Chapin, at the U.S.
rity and rootedness. There are times of great anxiety and depression
Embassy when he was U.S. Ambassador to Iran, and while there
over events in Sikkim, but underneath there is a real sense of joy and
attended the American School in Teheran from which I obtained my
thanksgiving for being again part of America.
high school diploma.
H.R. 912
H.R. 912
6
I urgently request that favorable consideration be given to my appli-
cation for citizenship and stay of deportation of myself, because should
I, be required to return to Sikkim I and my children would be placed
in grave danger of physical harm. Your kind consideration of this ap-
peal is much appreciated.
BUDGETARY INFORMATION
This legislation does not provide new budget authority and no esti-
mate or comparison has been received from the Director of the Con-
gressional Budget Office.
OVERSIGHT STATEMENT
The Committee exercises general oversight jurisdiction with respect
to all immigration and nationality matters but no specific oversight is
contemplated in this instance.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Upon consideration of all the facts in this case, the Committee is of
the opinion that S. 1699, amended, should be enacted and accordingly
recommends that the bill do pass.
H.R. 912
S. 1699
Ainety-fourth Congress of the United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the nineteenth day of January,
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-six
An Act
For the relief of Mrs. Hope Namgyal.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That, for the pur-
poses of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Mrs. Hope Namgyal
shall be held and considered to have been lawfully admitted to the
United States for permanent residence as of the date of the enactment
of this Act, upon payment of the required visa fee.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
I
June 4, 1976
Dear Mr. Director:
The following bills were received at the White
House on June 4th:
8. 1699
H.R. 11438
,
Please let the President have reports and
recommendations as to the approval of these
bills as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Linder
Chief Executive Clerk
The Honorable James T. Lynn
Director
Office of Management and Budget
Washington, D.C.