Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 3049. the Judicial Naturalization Amendments of 1991. H.R. 3049 addresses an issue created by provisions relating to naturalization in the Immigration Act of 1990. That legislation. in an effort to streamline the naturalization process. transferred many of the naturalization functions from the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts to an administrative agency. the Immigration and Naturalization Service. While these changes may increase efficiency in processing aliens approved for naturalization. the provisions went too far in one important respect. The legislation took away from the courts. for the first time. the exclusive authority to conduct oathtaking ceremonies--the heart of the process of attaining citizenship. Taking the solemn oath of citizenship is one of the most memorable events in the life of every naturalized American. In a sense. it is a moment when the social compact between all Americans is reaffirmed and extended to new citizens. Witnessing such a ceremony is bott.moving and uncompromisingly patrmtic. As the Federal judges have recognized. there is no better place to accept the rights and obligations of citizenship than in a dignified courtroom before a juugethe keeper of the flame of justice which has distinguished America since its birth. H.R. 3049 addresses this issue by restoring exclusive authority to courts to conduct oathtaking ceremonies during the 45day period following INS approval of the application for naturalization. After the 45day period. the court or the Immigration and Naturalization Service can give the oath.
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Naturalization naturalization Immigration naturalized