Speech #920056232

Col. William J. King has been director of Immigration and Naturalization for District 7. which includes all of New York State north of Ulster. Dutchess. and Sullivan Counties. It is believed that during the summer months more foreigners enter the United States through the Niagara frontier than anywhere else in this country. At the end of May. Colonel King retired after 43 years of service with the U.S. Immigration Service. I would like to share with my colleagues some of his accomplishments for I know the fate of immigrants and visitors to this country is the concern of us all. As seventh district director. Colonel King has responsibility not only for the citizenship and naturalization process. but also for U.S. citizens crossing the CanadianUnited States border as travelers. He oversees inspection checks at bridges. airports. and ports at points of entry. Colonel King has been more than a district director with oversight responsibility for the immigration and naturalization process in the Seventh District. he has taken the time to personally attend the problems of many immigrants and travelers. He has not only instructed his staff to give every consideration to those who seek aid from his office. but. moreover. he has instilled in them the compassion. understanding. and human concern that have characterized his own dealings with immigrants and travelers to this country over the years. Colonel King has taken innovative steps to insure that the citizenship process is made as simple and carefree as possible. Colonel King and his staff cooperated with the New York State Department of Adult Education to facilitate preparation for citizenship. His office played a part in preparing textbooks and films on citizenship for prospective citizens and for teachers of foreign born. He continues to take an active interest in many of our new citizens after they have arrived in this country to make sure they are happy and have found jobs compatible with their interests and skills. He has tried to make border crossings comfortable and easy for thousands traveling between the United States and Canada. Behind the scenes. he suggested policy that would expedite procedures at the checkpoints. As a Representative of the 36th Congressional District in upstate New York. thousands of my constituents cross the CanadianUnited States border every year. Many have relatives who have come to the United States from other countries. As a result. many have written or spoken to me about the kind treatment they have received from U.S. immigration officials. My office handles many cases which requires contacting Colonel King and his staff. I have always received their fullest cooperation.