Can the naturalization process be expedited in order to restore eligibility for benefits lost because of PRWORA?
Expedited naturalization remains a central focus of those seeking sustained protection for the immigrant poor. Naturalization currently takes at least six months for those eligible, but applications are expected to increase from 1.3 million in FY96 to 1.8 million in FY97. New INS regulations issued 3/19/97 waive English and civics testing (but not the loyalty oath) for certain aged and disabled unable to naturalize, and INS estimates 300,000 disabled immigrants may be eligible (the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium and the Council of Jewish Federations have detailed information packets on the new regulations). A range of approaches, using private, county, and state funds, educational and other public and private institutions, often in conjunction with advocacy groups and volunteer attorneys, are being implemented across the country. There are numerous examples of organization and local area initiatives. The Seattle-King County Division on Aging, using a combination of lo
