They are elderly and unable to work. and have become reliant on their SSI benefits as their primary income. To penalize them because of delays encountered through the bureaucratic process seems unjust and inappropriate. The administration in its fiscal year 2008 budget acknowledged the necessity to correct this problem by dedicating funding to extend refugee eligibility for SSI beyond the sevenyear limit. While I am pleased that they have taken the first step in correcting this problem. I am concerned the policy does not go far enough. Data shows that most people will need at least an additional two years to navigate and complete the naturalization process. Therefore. my colleagues and I have introduced this bill. which will provide a twoyear extension. We believe this will provide the time necessary to complete the process.
Keywords matched
naturalization refugee