There is insufficient protection against child abuse and abandonment. As stated in my bill: An adopted child. whose adoptive parent or parents are citizens of the United States. becomes a citizen of the United States upon fulfillment of the following conditions: (1) The child was lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. (2) The child was adopted before attaining the age of 16 years. (3) The child has resided continuously in the United States in legal custody of the adoptive parent or parents for one year after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Since the foreign children most in need of adoption in this country have suffered serious hardships and deprivation. the psychological advantage to them of being accepted here as citizens without undergoing naturalization could significantly enhance their successful adjustment to a new way of life as well as to a new family. In specific instances which have been brought to my attention by constituents. the questionable treatment of some of these children and the anguish caused to all concerned might have been prevented had the children enjoyed the right of American citizenship. While under present law these children are eligible to be naturalized as citizens after 2 years continuous residence in the United States. if they are under 18 years of age they must first obtain the written consent of their adoptive parents. I firmly believe this law should be made consistent with the current emphasis on total acceptance of the adopted child in the family by total acceptance of him as a citizen in our country. Our responsibility toward each adopted child is to further his best interests by guaranteeing that he. as a citizen. will benefit from. and be subject to. whatever State and Federal laws may be passed in the future to protect American citizens.
Keywords matched
naturalization naturalized