Why You Should Be Worried, or At Least Question, a House Bill Regarding Naturalization

Representative John Culberson (R-TX) sponsored a bill that would delay the naturalization of thousands of individuals aspiring to be Americans. HR 6198 (introduced to the House Judiciary Committee on September 28, 2016) would, if enacted, halt all naturalization gateways until the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement completes the digitization of all remaining paper-based fingerprint records. Although this bill will likely not be enacted, it brings about worrisome implications not only for the individuals who are seeking to become U.S. citizens, but also for the legislators that support this bill.

First, the bill’s implementation would delay individuals’ paths to naturalization. Delaying naturalization delays all sorts of phenomena, including the ability to vote, to work at a desired occupation, and to live side-by-side with loved ones in America. It also delays economic growth for the United States, since naturalized citizens contribute taxes and the like to their American communities. Ultimately, the time delay is both troublesome and unnecessary, especially when one examines the already-robust naturalization process in place.

Second, the bill does not clarify its motive(s), which leaves ambiguity behind its purpose(s). Is the bill associated with recent legislation and hearings in which immigrants are treated as security threats? Is it associated with bigoted statements made by legislators and witnesses at congressional hearings? Could it be categorized with security-based legislation pieces? Legislators sponsoring this bill should outline their motive(s) in the bill, for it could be perceived as a link to bigoted statements and orders made by Congressional members from across the country.

Finally, the bill takes for granted that there are other solutions to problems associated with the naturalization process. Although these solutions would take time to design and implement, they would not take as long as the digitization of naturalization records. Additionally, the solutions (e.g., reviewing the paper-based documents with additional staff) would not require the discontinuation of naturalization, and the naturalization process should remain running anyway.

When naturalization is halted or delayed, it makes life unnecessarily harder for everyone, including the bureaucrats that wish to implement naturalization obstacles. Instead of hindering people’s desires to become U.S. citizens, keep up those desires by continuing naturalization while improving it.