[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 32 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ELIMINATE PENALTY FOR CITIZENSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 12, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, on January 3, 2001, I introduced 
H.R. 133 to correct an unintended consequence where a petitioner 
seeking a visa for her children to come to the United States loses her 
place in line if she changes her status from legal resident to U.S. 
citizen.
  This problem primarily affects Filipinos because of the huge backlog 
in the quota for unmarried sons or daughters of American citizens from 
the Philippines. It is longer than that of unmarried sons and daughters 
of lawful permanent residents.
  Such a consequence penalizes people for becoming a citizen.
  Imagine how devastating it is for a petitioner to become an American 
citizen, only to find that this significantly delays your child's entry 
date to enter the United States. It is heartbreaking to have to inform 
constituents of this sad consequence of their becoming a U.S. citizen.
  I am forced to advise petitioners not to apply for citizenship to 
avoid this penalty.
  As a legal resident, remember they could lose many benefits such as 
Medicaid. To be reunified with their children, the law, unless changed, 
forces them to risk much.
  Please join me in changing this inequitable outcome by the enactment 
of H.R. 133.

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