Regine met only three of four qualifications to apply for citizenship. Had the INS told the Edwards that Regine needed to be adopted by the age of 16 in order to qualify for citizenship. the Edwards would have expedited the adoption process. and Regine would be closer to her dream of citizenship. This bill. passed during the last Congress by the Senate but not acted on by the House. would reclassify Regine as a child pursuant to section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. thereby allowing the processing of her citizenship application. Regine has stated that it has always been a goal of hers to live in the United States. and to become a citizen of. as she puts it. "a land of freedom and individual opportunity to seek out your dreams and realize them." It would be tragic if we were to let a simple mistake on the part of the INS prevent such a promising young woman from becoming a U.S. citizen. I urge my fellow colleagues to support Regine by allowing her to make her dream of U.S. citizenship a reality.0 By Mr.
Keywords matched
Naturalization Immigration