[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23710]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          REGARDING H.R. 4838

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2000

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to 
commend the House of Representatives for the successful passage of H.R. 
4838, which waives the oath of allegiance requirement for people with 
disabilities that seek citizenship in our great nation.
  The need for such a bill is best exemplified in the case of Vijai 
Rajan of Anaheim, California. Twenty-five-year-old Vijai was born in 
India and has been residing in the U.S. since she was four months old. 
Ms. Rajan has several disabilities including cerebral palsy, muscular 
dystrophy, and Crohn's disease which prevents her from raising her hand 
or memorizing and understanding the oath. Doctors say her comprehension 
is that of a baby or toddler.
  This piece of legislation is significant in expressing our nation's 
view of acceptance and welcoming of new citizens. These people can-not 
be denied citizenship when they have played by all the rules and have 
waited for so long.
  Her parents' four year battle with the INS is nearly over and Vijai 
as well as the other 1,100 disabilities waiver applicants are closer to 
becoming citizens of the United States. I am certain that these family 
members enjoy peace of mind and inner satisfaction knowing that their 
loved ones are part of America.

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