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The original documents are located in Box 53, folder "8/14/76 HR8557 Relief of Carmen
Thomas" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
&8/14/76
APPROVED
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION
AUG
WASHINGTON
Last Day: August 21
August 13, 1976
Posted
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
8/16/76
FROM:
JIM CANNON Juni
SUBJECT:
H.R. 8557
Relief of Carmen Thomas
Sponsor - Representative Jordan
H.R. 10076 - Relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
Sponsor - Representative Wiggins
8/16/76
Attached for your consideration are H.R. 8557 and H.R.
10076, which would grant immediate relative status under
the Immigration and Nationality Act to widows of U.S.
citizens. Because of the death of their husbands, they
are no longer eligible for immediate relative status
Additional details are provided in OMB's enrolled bill
report at Tab A.
OMB, NSC, Max Friedersdorf, Counsel's Office (Lazarus)
and I recommend approval of the enrolled bills.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign H.R. 8557 at Tab B.
That you sign H.R. 10076 at Tab C.
R. FORD LIBRARY
Digitized from Box 53 of the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE STATE OF THE MANAGE RESIDENT STATES UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 12 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bills
(1) H.R. 8557 - Relief of Carmen Thomas
Sponsor - Rep. Jordan (D) Texas
(2) H.R. 10076 - Relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
Sponsor - Rep. Wiggins (R) California
Last Day for Action
August 21, 1976 - Saturday
Purpose
To grant immediate relative status to alien widows of United
States citizens.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Approval
Department of State
No objection
Discussion
H.R. 8557 and H.R. 10076 would grant immediate relative status
under the Immigration and Nationality Act to widows of U.S.
citizens, and thus allow them permanent residence in the United
States. Because of the deaths of their husbands, they are no
longer eligible for immediate relative status.
H.R. 8557 - Carmen Thomas
Carmen Thomas is a 25-year-old native and citizen of Guyana who
married a U.S. citizen on February 1, 1971. They had one daughter,
now 4 years old, who is a U.S. citizen. Her husband filed a
petition to accord her immediate relative status but he died in
September 1974, before the petition was adjudicated. Because of
his death, she is no longer eligible for classification as an
immediate relative. Mrs. Thomas was admitted to the United States
2
in October 1974, as a nonimmigrant visitor. She has remained
in the U.S. for a longer time than permitted and was found
deportable on November 11, 1975.
H.R. 10076 - Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
Mrs. Kazuko Scillion is a 34-year-old native and citizen of Japan.
She married a U.S. citizen, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces,
who died in 1972. Mrs. Scillion entered the U.S. in September
1973, as a temporary visitor to live with her deceased husband's
parents, at their request. Deportation proceedings will be
instituted against her since she has remained in the U.S. for a
longer time than permitted.
James Legislative m. Director Reference Trey for
Enclosures
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
PLEASE ADDRESS REPLY TO
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE
Washington 25, D.C.
AND REFER TO THIS FILE NO.
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
11 AUG 1976
A20 288 906
TO
: OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SUBJECT: Enrolled Private Bill No. H.R. 8557
; Office of Management
and Budget request dated August 9, 1976.
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries Carmen Thomas.
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,
Commissioner
CO Form 18
(REV. 1-17-72)
department OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
AUG 1 1 1976
Dear Mr. Lynn:
Reference is made to Mr. Frey's communication
of August 9, 1976, transmitting for comment enrolled
bills, H.R. 8557, "For the relief of Carmen Thomas",
H.R. 10076, "For the relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion",
and H.R. 8695, "For the relief of Eugene Homsy
Phillips".
This Department has no objection to the enact-
ment of these bills.
Sincerely yours,
Homes Im 3 Jonorn
Kempton B. Jenkins
Acting Assistant Secretary
for Congressional Relations
The Honorable
James T. Lynn, Director,
Office of Management
and Budget.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 12 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bills
(1) H.R. 8557 - Relief of Carmen Thomas
Sponsor - Rep. Jordan (D) Texas
(2) H.R. 10076 - Relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
Sponsor -- Rep. Wiggins (R) California
Last Day for Action
August 21, 1976 - Saturday
Purpose
To grant immediate relative status to alien widows of United
States citizens.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Approval
Department of State
No objection
Discussion
H.R. 8557 and H.R. 10076 would grant immediate relative status
under the Immigration and Nationality Act to widows of U.S.
citizens, and thus allow them permanent residence in the United
States. Because of the deaths of their husbands, they are no
longer eligible for immediate relative status.
H.R. 8557 - Carmen Thomas
Carmen Thomas is a 25-year-old native and citizen of Guyana who
married a U.S. citizen on February 1, 1971. They had one daughter,
now 4 years old, who is a U.S. citizen. Her husband filed a
petition to accord her immediate relative status but he died in
September 1974, before the petition was adjudicated. Because of
his death, she is no longer eligible for classification as an
immediate relative. Mrs. Thomas was admitted to the United States
2
in October 1974, as a nonimmigrant visitor. She has remained
in the U.S. for a longer time than permitted and was found
deportable on November 11, 1975.
H.R. 10076 - Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
Mrs. Kazuko Scillion is a 34-year-old native and citizen of Japan.
She married a U.S. citizen, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces,
who died in 1972. Mrs. Scillion entered the U.S. in September
1973, as a temporary visitor to live with her deceased husband's
parents, at their request. Deportation proceedings will be
instituted against her since she has remained in the U.S. for a
longer time than permitted.
(Signed) James M. Frey
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: August 12
Time: 700pm
FOR ACTION: Dick Pasenns
on
CC (for information):
NSC/S on
Jack Marsh
Max Friedersdorf
on
Jim Cavanaugh
Ken Lazarus
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
August 13
200pm
SUBJECT:
H.R. 8557-Relief of Carmen Thomas
H.R. 10076 - Relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
pplease return to judy johnston, ground floorruest wing
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
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
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: August 12
Time: 700pm
FOR ACTION: Dick Parsons
cc (for information): :
NSC/S
Jack Marsh
Max Friedersdorf
Ken Lazarus
W.f.
Jim Cavanaugh
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
August 13
200pm
SUBJECT:
H.R. 8557-Relief of Carmen Thomas
H.R. 10076 - Relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
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
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
4614
August 13, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JAMES M. CANNON
FROM:
Jeanne W. Da
and
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bills
The NSC staff concurs with the following enrolled bills:
H.R. 8557 - relief of Carmen Thomas
H. R. 10076- - relief of Mrs. Kazuko Scillion
94TH CONGRESS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPORT
2d Session
No. 94-929
CARMEN THOMAS
MARCH 18, 1976.-Committee 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 H.R. 8557]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill
(H.R. 8577), for the relief of Carmen Thomas, having considered the
same, report favorably thereon with amendment and recommend that
the bill do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
On page 1, líne 7, after "section 204" insert "and section 245 (c)".
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of this bill, as amended, is to restore immediate rela-
tive status to the widow of a United States citizen. The bill has been
amended in accordance with established precedents to facilitate ad-
justment of the beneficiary's status in the United States.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The beneficiary is a 25-year-old native and citizen of Guyana who
married a citizen of the United States in Guyana on February 1,
1971. He executed a visa petition in behalf of the beneficiary in
March of 1974 which was pending when he died on September 26,
1974, as a result of an injury at his place of employment. The bene-
ficiary was admitted to the United States as a visitor accompanied
by her 4-year-old child, a citizen of the United States.
The pertinent facts in this case are contained in a letter dated
January 15, 1976, from the Acting Commissioner of Immigration
and Naturalization to the Chairman of the Committee on the Judi-
ciary. That letter and accompanying memorandum read as follows:
57-007
2
3
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE,
alternative required. of deportation if she should fail to deport when
Washington, D.C., January 15, 1976.
A20288906.
On November 11, 1975, the Department of State submitted a report
on this legislation which reads as follows:
Hon. PETER W. RODINO, Jr.,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representa-
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
tives, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., November 11, 1975.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: In response to your request for a report
Hon. PETER W. RODINO, Jr.,
relative to the bill (H.R. 8557) for the relief of Carmen Thomas,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives,
there is attached a memorandum of information concerning the
Washington, D.C.
beneficiary.
The bill provides that the beneficiary may be granted immediate
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I refer to your request for a report concern-
relative status and waives the provisions of the Immigration and
ing the case of Carmen Thomas, beneficiary of H.R. 8557, 94th Con-
Nationality Act relating to the filing of a petition in her behalf.
gress. There is enclosed a memorandum of information concerning the
Absent enactment of the bill, the beneficiary, a native of Guyana,
beneficiary. This memorandum has been submitted by the American
is chargeable to the numerical limitation for immigrants from the
Embassy at Georgetown where the beneficiary was issued a nonimmi-
grant visa.
Western Hemisphere. The beneficiary is statutorily ineligible to adjust
her status while in the United States and will be required to apply
The bill would grant immediate relative status within the meaning
for a visa outside of this country.
of section 201 (b) and would waive the provisions of the Immigration
Sincerely,
and Nationality Act relating to the filing of a petition on her behalf.
JAMES F. GREENE,
Sincerely,
Acting Cammissioner.
ROBERT J. McCLOSKEY,
Enclosure.
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations.
Enclosure:
MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION FROM IMMIGRATION AND
NATURALIZATION SERVICE FILES RE H.R. 8557
Memorandum of information.
The beneficiary, Carmen Thomas, a native and citizen of
Guyana, was born on December 20, 1950. She graduated from
SUBMITTED BY THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AT
junior high school and attended Carnegie School of Econom-
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA
ics in her homeland. The beneficiary is a widow and resides in
Houston, Texas with her four-year-old United States citizen
(Memorandum of Information-concerning H.R. 8557 for
daughter, Soyini. She is unemployed but receives $11,000 per
the relief of Carmen Thomas)
year in benefits resulting from her husband's death. Her
The beneficiary was born on December 20, 1950, at George-
assets consist of $20,000 in bank savings.
town, Guyana. She is a widow with one child, Soyini, born
The beneficiary married Johnnie Thomas, Jr., a United
September 10, 1971, and is presently residing at 7121/2 An-
States citizen, in Guyana on February 1, 1971. In March 1974
drew Street, Houston, Texas 77019. The subject, who was
he filed a petition to accord the beneficiary immediate relative
status; however, before the petition was adjudicated, Mr.
formerly residing at 508 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guy-
ana, married Johnnie Thomas, Jr., an American citizen, on
Thomas was injured on his job in Houston, Texas and died on
February 1, 1971.
September 26, 1974. As a result of her husband's death, the
In March 1974, Mr. Thomas filed a petition for classifica-
beneficiary is no longer eligible for classification as an imme-
diate relative.
tion of his wife as an immediate relative not subject to
Western Hemisphere numerical limitations. While awaiting
The beneficiary was admitted to the United States on
October 18, 1974 as a nonimmigrant visitor for 90 days. Her
adjudication of the case, he was injured on the job at-T. Smith
application for extension of stay was denied and she was
& Company of Houston, Texas, and died on September 26,
1974.
granted until February 22, 1975 to depart from the United
States. This date was extended to March 6, 1975. Deportation
As a result of his death, Mrs. Thomas is no longer eligible
proceedings were instituted against the beneficiary on Octo-
to benefit from immediate relative status. On October 2, 1974,
ber 6, 1975 on the ground that she had remained in the United
she was granted a non-immigrant visa for the purpose of
States for a longer time than permitted. At a hearing on
going to the United States to make funeral arrangements and
attend to her husband's business affairs.
November 11, 1975, she was found deportable as charged and
Mrs. Thomas receives $100.96 a week in workmen's com-
was granted the privilege of voluntary departure with the
pensation. On her non-immigrant visa application, she de-
H.R. 929
H.R. 929
4
scribed her profession as "seamstress". As a result of her
husband's death, she is now subject to Section 212(a) (14)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This requires pro-
spective immigrants to obtain a job offer in the United
States and a Labor Certification by the Department of Labor.
Ms. Jordan submitted the following letter in support of her bill:
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D.C., January 30, 1976.
Hon. JOSHUA EILBERG,
Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and International Law,
Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am pleased the Subcommittee has decided
to favorably report to the full Committee my bill, H.R. 8557, for the
relief of Carmen Thomas.
Mrs. Thomas, a native of Guyana, came to this country to attend the
funeral of her husband, an American citizen. Her husband had pre-
viously filed application for classification of her as an immediate rela-
tive for immigration to the United States. But for the accidental
death of her husband, her application would have been approved. Mrs.
Thomas now resides in Houston, Texas. Without the favorable con-
sideration of H.R. 8557, she can be deported at any time.
Mrs. Thomas is now receiving income as the result of a workman's
compensation claim. The income supports herself and her American
daughter. She has spent her money wisely, and, her attorney informs
me, has even started a savings account. Especially in light of the tragic
loss of her husband, her conduct has been exemplary.
Once again, I am pleased the Subcommittee has acted favorably
on H.R. 8557, and I look forward to favorable consideration by the
full Committee, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Sincerely,
Barbara JORDAN,
Member of Comgress.
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 H.R. 8557 should be enacted and accordingly recom-
mends that the bill do pass.
H.R. 929
Calendar No. 1045
94TH CONGRESS
SENATE
REPORT
No. 94-1111
.Bd Session
CARMEN THOMAS
AUGUST 4, 1976.-Ordered to be printed
Mr. EASTLAND, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 8557]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to which was referred the bill
(H.R. 8557), for the relief of Carmen Thomas, having considered
the same, reports favorable thereon without amendment and recom-
mends that the bill do pass.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of the bill is to grant the status of an immediate rela-
tive to Carmen Thomas, to which status she would be entitled were
it not for the death of her husband, a citizen of the United States.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
The beneficiary of the bill is a 25-year-old native and citizen of
Guyana who currently resides in Houston, Texas with her four-year-
old United States citizen daughter. The beneficiary married a United
States citizen in Guyana on February 1, 1971. In March, 1974 he
filed a petition to accord her immediate relative status; however, he
died before the petition was adjudicated.
A letter, with attached memorandum, dated January 15, 1976 to
the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives from the then Acting Commissioner of Immigration
and Naturalization with reference to the bill reads as follows:
57-007
2
3
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
alternative of deportation if she should fail to depart when
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE,
Washington, D.C., January 15, 1976.
A required. report from the Department of State dated November 11, 1975
A20288906.
concerning this legislation reads as follows:
Hon. PETER W. RODINO, Jr.,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representa-
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
tives, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., November 11, 1975.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: In response to your request for a report
Hon. PETER W. RODINO, Jr.,
relative to the bill (HR.. 8557) for the relief of Carmen Thomas,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives,
there is attached a memorandum of information concerning the
Washington, D.C.
beneficiary.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I refer to your request for a report concern-
The bill provides that the beneficiary may be granted immediate
ing the case of Carmen Thomas, beneficiary of H.R. 8557, 94th Con-
relative status and waives the provisions of the Immigration and
gress. There is enclosed a memorandum of information concerning the
Nationality Act relating to the filing of a petition in her behalf.
beneficiary. This memorandum has been submitted by the American
Absent enactment of the bill, the beneficiary, a native of Guyana,
Embassy at Georgetown where the beneficiary was issued a nonimmi-
is chargeable to the numerical limitation for immigrants from the
grant visa.
Western Hemisphere. The beneficiary is statutorily ineligible to adjust
The bill would grant immediate relative status within the meaning
her status while in the United States and will be required to apply
of section 201 (b) and would waive the provisions of the Immigration
for a visa outside of this country.
and Nationality Act relating to the filing of a petition on her behalf.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
JAMES F. GREENE,
ROBERT J. McCLOSKEY,
Acting Commissioner.
Assistant Secretary for
Enclosure.
Congressional Relations.
Enclosure:
MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION FROM IMMIGRATION AND
Memorandum of information.
NATURALIZATION SERVICE FILES RE H.R. 8557
The beneficiary, Carmen Thomas, a native and citizen of
SUBMITTED BY THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AT
Guyana, was born on December 20, 1950. She graduated from
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA
junior high school and attended Carnegie School of Econom-
ics in her homeland. The beneficiary is a widow and resides in
(Memorandum of Information-concerning H.R. 8557 for
Houston, Texas with her four-year-old United States citizen
the relief of Carmen Thomas)
daughter, Soyini. She is unemployed but receives $11,000 per
year in benefits resulting from her husband's death. Her
The beneficiary was born on December 20, 1950, at George-
assets consist of $20,000 in bank savings.
town, Guyana. She is a widow with one child, Soyini, born
The beneficiary married Johnnie Thomas, Jr., a United
September 10, 1971, and is presently residing at 7121/2 An-
States citizen, in Guyana on February 1, 1971. In March 1974
drew Street, Houston, Texas 77019. The subject, who was
he filed a petition to accord the beneficiary immediate relative
formerly residing at 508 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guy-
status; however, before the petition was adjudicated, Mr.
ana, married Johnnie Thomas, Jr., an American citizen, on
Thomas was injured on his job in Houston, Texas and died on
February 1, 1971.
September 26, 1974. As a result of her husband's death, the
In March 1974, Mr. Thomas filed a petition for classifica-
beneficiary is no longer eligible for classification as an imme-
tion of his wife as an immediate relative not subject to
diate relative.
Western Hemisphere numerical limitations. While awaiting
The beneficiary was admitted to the United States on
adjudication of the case, he was injured on the job at T. Smith
October 18, 1974 as a nonimmigrant visitor for 90 days. Her
& Company of Houston, Texas, and died on September 26,
1974.
application for extension of stay was denied and she was
granted until February 22, 1975 to depart from the United
As a result of his death, Mrs. Thomas is no longer eligible
States. This was extended to March 6, 1975. Deportation
to benefit from immediate relative status. On October 2, 1974,
proceedings were instituted against the beneficiary on Octo-
she was granted a non-immigrant visa for the purpose of
ber 6, 1975 on the ground that she had remained in the United
going to the United States to make funeral arrangements and
attend to her husband's business affairs.
States for a longer time than permitted. At a hearing on
Mrs. Thomas received $100.96 a week in workmen's com-
November 11, 1975, she was found deportable as charged and
was granted the privilege of voluntary departure with the
pensation. On her non-immigrant visa application, she de-
S.R. 1111
S.R. 1111
4
scribed her profession as "seamstress". As a result of her
husband's death, she is now subject to Section 212 (a) (14)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This requires pro-
spective immigrants to obtain a job offer in the United
States and a Labor Certification by the Department of Labor.
Gongresswoman Barbara Jordan, the author of the bill, submitted
the following supporting statement:
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D.C., January 30, 1976.
Hon. JOSHUA EILBERG,
Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and International Law,
Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Bepresentatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am pleased the Subcommittee has decided
to favorably report to the full Committee my bill, H.R. 8557, for the
relief of Carmon Thomas.
Mrs. Thomas, a native of Guyana, came to this country to attend the
funeral of her husband, an American citizen. Her husband had pre-
viously filed application for classification of her as an immediate rela-
tive for immigration to the United States. But for the accidental death
of her husband, her application would have been approved. Mrs.
Thomas now resides in Houston, Texas. Without the favorable eon-
sideration of H.R. 8557, she can be deported at any time.
Mrs. Thomas is now receiving income as the result of a workman's
compensation claim. The income supports herself and her American
daughter. She has spent her money wisely, and, her attorney informs
me, has even started a savings Account. Especially in light of the tragic
loss of her husband, her conduct has been exemplary.
Once again, I am pleased the Subcommittee has acted favorably
on H.R. 8557, and I look forward to favorable consideration by the
full Committee, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Sincerely,
Barbara Jordan,
Member of Dongress.
The committee, after consideration of all the facts in the case, is of
the opinion that the bill (H.R. 8557) should be enacted.
S.R. 1111
LIBRARY
FORD
H. R. 8557
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 Carmen Thomas.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That, in the admin-
istration of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Carmen Thomas,
the widow of a citizen of the United States, shall be held and consid-
ered to be within the purview of section 201(b) of that Act and the
provisions of section 204 and section 245(c) of such Act shall not be
applicable in this case.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.