And an increasing number of couples. anxious to experience the pleasures of raising a child. are choosing to adopt a child born in a foreign country. Once these children are adopted. they are due all the rights and privileges of an Americanborn child. But because they were born in a foreign country. these adopted children must be naturalized as U.S. citizens. The naturalization process for minor children. Mr. President. should be a formality. Under current law. adopted children are eligible for naturalization immediately following their adoption and lawful admission to the United States without any period of residence. The current naturalization requires preliminary hearings or examinations to determine whether any applicant for citizenship is of good moral character. attached to the principles of the Constitution. and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. Imagine the hardship these hearings cause both parents and children: the parents. who only want to accept these new children into their homes and make them feel welcome. the children. strangers in a new country and a new family. who only want to be accepted in both. Mr.
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