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VA Shooting - Gun Purchase Was Legal?

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:34 pm
by Chopped Liver
After seeing the stories about the shooter at VT, my mom asked me how a non-US citizen was able to legally purchase a gun. Of course, I said I'd have to ask Glockenhammer, "knower of much more gun stuff than me." He didn't know and suggested I ask y'all. So, does anybody know what the laws require as far as citizenship / residency?

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:39 pm
by srothstein
Any person legally in the US on an immigrant visa can buy a gun if he has been a resident of the state for 90 days. Cho had been here for many years on a permanent immigrant visa of some type since he had a green card.

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:39 pm
by frankie_the_yankee
Resident aliens (i.e. "green card" holders) can legally purchase firearms if they are of the correct legal age and pass the NICS (or equivalent state) check.

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:54 pm
by Chopped Liver
Thanks for the info. Can't say I necessarily agree with only a 90 day residency requirement.