President. I am pleased to be joined today by my colleague Senator KOHL. to reintroduce this important piece of legislation. This legislation will work to ensure the United States government does not turn its back on political asylees or refugees who -are the most vulnerable citizens seeking safety in this great country of ours. As many of you know. Congress modified the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to include sevenyear time limit on the receipt of benefits for refugees and asylees. This policy was intended to balance the desire to have people who emigrate to the United States to become citizens. with an understanding that the naturalization process also takes time to complete. To allow adequate time for asylees and refugees to become naturalized citizens. Congress provided the sevenyear time limit before the expiration of SSI benefits. Unfortunately. the naturalization process often takes longer than seven years. Applicants are required to live in the United States for a minimum of five years prior to applying for citizenship. In addition to that time period. their application process often can take three or more years before resolution.
Keywords matched
naturalized naturalization emigrate refugees