Chairman. my office alone in Chicago in the last year has handed in over 5.000 applications for citizenship and it is a program that should be encouraged and expanded. My amendment simply provides the resources to the INS to work to expand this program across the country. to invest in empowering community groups at the local level who can help share the responsibility of an increasing number of citizenship applications. The vast majority of immigrants come to our Nation looking for nothing more than a chance to contribute. a chance to share in the freedom and the prosperity that is America. An opportunity one day to become full partners In the fight for the American dream by becoming American citizens. All my amendment does is make it a little bit easier for them to have that opportunity. It is not a dramatic amount of money. simply enough to expand the modest work already begun. It is reasonable and an expenditure that puts this Congress on record as supporting and helping in an efficient manner people who want nothing more than to contribute to our Nation. My friends. we all know these are dangerous days for immigrants in our Nation. This body has gone on record in supporting dramatic cuts and elimination of services to noncitizens. people who reside in our Nation perfectly legally. I emphasize legal. people who are in this Nation as all of us are here as Members of Congress today. and I ask my friends to help and support in reaching the goals of tens of thousands of others who wish to share in the American dream.
Keywords matched
noncitizens immigrants