Speech #1020109471

Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3049. the Judicial Naturalization Amendments of 1991. and I wish to commend the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee. the gentleman from Kentucky . and the gentleman from Florida. the ranking minority member for their timely work on this measure. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 3049 would grant sole authority to courts of Jurisdiction to hold swearingin ceremonies for Immigrants within 45 days after their naturalization applications have been approved. Under the Immigration Act of 1990. the Immigration and Naturalization Service was granted authority to administer the swearingin ceremonies. While immigrants may now choose whether to be sworn in by the INS or the courts. the Judicial Conference of the United States has noted that swearingin ceremonies administratively conducted by the INS are an inadequate substitute for the ceremonies traditionally held in the courts. Over the years. naturalization swearingin ceremonies have become an important aspect of local court duties. and have been an integral part of the immigration process. For several reasons. it is important that we work to retain the holding of naturaliation ceremonies in local courts. First. when immigrants are naturalized in their local communities. it affords them an opportunity to become acquainted with the seat of their local government. and often provides them with an opportunity to meet and be welcomed by their local elected officials. Second. it is easier for friends and family of immigrants to attend naturalization ceremonies held in local communities. This is important. as the taking of the oath of citizenship is often a joyous and emotional occasion in an applicants life. It is only right that the relatives and friends be afforded every opportunity to share in this occasion. At the same time It enables loved ones to attend an immigrants swearingin ceremony. local naturalization also helps to make communities aware of the new citizens that are joining them. Mr. Speaker. the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship should never be undertaken lightly. By giving the local courts sole authority to naturalize immigrants. we permit family. friends. and local officials to share in a joyous occasion. and we help to insure that the ceremony will be meaningful and be remembered by both the new citizens and their local communities. Accordingly. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.