Mr. Speaker. I compliment Chairman RODINO on his introduction of this administrative naturalization legislation that we have before us today. identical to legislation that passed the House last year. It recently passed unanimously in the Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees and International Law as well as in the full Judiciary Committee. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation today. As you know. Mr. Speaker. this country has been experiencing backlogs in the naturalization process for a number of years. Individuals who have completed all steps in becoming U.S. citizens must sometimes wait years for their final naturalization ceremony. The legislation that we have before us today will help alleviate these problems. This bill streamlines the naturalization by allowing the Attorney General to adjudicate naturalization petitions. It also allows a naturalization applicant to have his swearingin ceremony in State and Federal courts if he chooses. This legislation provides for administrative and judicial review of denied cases through the Board of Immigration Appeals and the district court. Mr. Speaker. the Congressional Budget Office estimates that enacting H.R. 735 would result in a savings to the Government by reducing administrative costs for the INS and the district courts.
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naturalization Immigration Refugees