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Phyllis Michaux Papers

 Collection
Identifier: GTM-990430

Dates

  • 1927 - 2002
  • Majority of material found within 1960 - 1999

Conditions Governing Access note

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Additional Description

Biographical/Historical note

Phyllis Michaux (1922- ) was the founder and first president of the Association of American Wives of Europeans (AAWE), a non-profit volunteer organization of American women, resident in France, who share interests in bi-cultural living. AAWE provides information and education on bilingualism, citizenship, education, legal, and voting rights to American citizens living abroad. The organization is a member of the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO). As an American citizen living in France since 1946, and raising a family with her French husband, Michaux became increasingly concerned about the implications of her children’s dual citizenship. Under Section 301(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 children born overseas of an American parent could not retain citizenship unless they resided for five consecutive years in the United States between the ages of fourteen and twenty-eight. In 1961, Michaux mobilized a group of fifty concerned mothers who brought their concerns about the citizenship law to the U.S. Department of State. A year later, organized and led by Michaux as the AAWE, the women embarked on letter-writing campaigns to Congress. Through their efforts, the citizenship law was amended in 1968 with the residence period reduced from five to two years. Michaux chronicled the history of AAWE in her book "The Unknown Ambassadors: A Saga of Citizenship"(1996). The AAWE is now an organization of six hundred members based primarily in France.

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Phyllis Michaux Papers
Status
completed
Author
Scott S. Taylor. Georgetown University Library Booth Family Center for Special Collections, Washington, D.C.
Date
05/06/2013
Description rules
local practice
Language of description
English

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository

https://www.library.georgetown.edu/special-collections/manuscripts
Contact:

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