Foreigners in Congress. The Ten Miles Square. Summary and Analysis

Although the Convention seems to have made a huge stride in forming its final report, more and more questions arise as the summer heat wears on. The Convention takes up the matter of whether foreign-born citizens should be allowed to serve in Congress, and if so after how long a residence in the United States. As different residency requirements are discussed, it is pointed out that some would prevent current delegates from serving in Congress. This creates a paradox that a person might be considered eligible to form a new government, but not serve in it. After several votes, it is decided that foreigners may serve in the House after seven years' citizenship and in the Senate after nine years. The President will be required to be native born...