Speech #1050112698

Mr. President. few aspects of immigration are more important than the naturalization of new Americans. Naturalization goes to the heart of those we welcome to join our country. Unlike those of us who were born in this country. naturalized immigrants are Americans by choice. Naturalization is the occasion when these new citizens embrace our nation. and our nation embraces them. Unfortunately. Americas immigrant heritage and history are under increasing attack today. Legal immigrants have been unfairly hurt by recent actions to deal with illegal immigration. Voting rights. welfare benefits. and naturalization itself are also under assault. It now takes two to four years for immigrants to become naturalized citizens. The backlogs continue to increase. It is time to improve the naturalization process. and deal more responsibly with these important issues. Today. Congressman GEPHARDT and I are introducing the "New American Citizenship Act." because we believe legal immigrants deserve a fair. efficient and affordable way to become citizens. Our bill builds on the recent reforms by INS to reach out to potential new citizens. help them learn our history and form of government. and ensure that the naturalization process is one in which America can take pride. Our bill provides increased services. and requires INS to reduce the naturalization process to six months with no backlogs. We encourage local communities to help in this effort. by disseminating information to communitybased organizations on the requirements of citizenship and the contents of the naturalization exam. Under our proposal. INS cannot increase the naturalization fee to more than $150 until they have shown progress in reducing the backlog. In addition. we take specific steps to prevent fraud and abuse in the exam. We strengthen the fingerprint process to prevent the mistaken naturalization of unqualified applicants. Each naturalization ceremony represents the continuing renewal and revitalization of our country. As Barbara Jordan said. We are a nation of immigrants. dedicated to the rule of law. That is our history and our challenge to ourselves .... It is literally a matter of who we are as a nation and who we become as a people.