THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	59
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

demandING that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services withdraw its proposals to increase the naturalization fee and to eliminate full and partial naturalization fee waivers for lower-income and working family lawful permanent residents.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the United States has thrived because, for centuries, it has attracted entrepreneurial newcomers from around the globe who believe in and have furthered American ideals of democracy and opportunity; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii derives direct economic, social, and cultural benefits from the activities and achievements of its immigrant communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, naturalized citizens are particularly important contributors to the strength and prosperity of the entire nation and the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, naturalization is associated with increased income, employment, and homeownership, which enhance opportunities for naturalized citizens and confer benefits upon the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, Latino and Asian-American naturalized citizens vote at higher rates than their native-born counterparts; and

 

     WHEREAS, naturalized citizens serve in critical and sensitive leadership positions in the Armed Services of the United States, elected offices, and other influential positions; and

 

     WHEREAS, our nation's promotion of United States citizenship among eligible lawful permanent residents bolsters our integrity by demonstrating a national commitment to valuing each person who shares American ideals and abides by the nation's laws; and

 

     WHEREAS, in light of the significant benefits that naturalization confers on all Americans, Congress, state, and local government officials have long demanded that naturalization remain accessible and affordable; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Senate supports policies that encourage naturalization and increase the rate of naturalization among eligible lawful legal permanent residents; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Senate calls for a naturalization application process and fees that ensure that citizenship is attainable by any eligible person regardless of income; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate demands that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services withdraw its proposals, published in the Federal Register for comment on November 14, 2019, to increase the naturalization fee by eighty-three percent and to eliminate full and partial naturalization fee waivers for lower-income and working family lawful permanent residents; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; President of the United States; Majority Leader of the United States Senate; Speaker of the United States House of Representatives; and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Immigration; Naturalization; Fees; Waivers