Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5323. the "Proud to be an American Citizen Act." which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to make funds available to support public naturalization ceremonies that are held on a date that is on or near Independence Day. These funds would be given to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or to public or private nonprofit entities. The Secretary would select the sites for the ceremonies. approve the entities receiving the funds. and dispense up to. but no more than. $5.000 for each ceremony. The use of the funds would be limited to the costs of personnel from USCIS and the Federal judiciary. including travel and overtime expenses. site and audio equipment rentals. logistical requirements. and costs for printing brochures about the naturalization participants and the naturalization process. Naturalization rewards legal immigrants who have played by the rules and abided by all United States laws and USCIS regulations. The naturalization ceremony is not just a formality. Taking the Oath of Allegiance is a critical legal step in becoming a naturalized citizen. The words of the Oath of Allegiance convey the core meaning of becoming an American citizen. These words reflect the shared American values of liberty. democracy. and equal opportunity. and the obligation to abide by the Constitution. including the Bill of Rights.
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