INS glitches turn away immigrants from naturalization ceremony
By Stacey Baca
December 3, 2002 — It's a dream come true for many immigrants in Chicago--the day they become American citizens. But for many it's a dream deferred because of a problem with the Immigration Naturalization Services. A security glitch in the INS system is creating problems for hundreds of immigrants who are trying to become U.S. citizens.
"It was a nasty morning...driving on slick roads, in snowy conditions," said Maria Perez, Mexican immigrant.
"The traffic in the morning is really tough, so I had to come all the way from over there," said Perez. "Here I come all excited, I'll become an American citizen. Yeah! What's up?"
Perez drove from aurora to be in a federal courtroom, before the U.S. flag. Every year in Chicago, 35,000 immigrants raise their right hands and are sworn in as citizens. Unless, there's a glitch.
"Today, the American dream was suppose to be here...but today, we leave with nothing, I mean, this is ridiculous," said Gemma Olivar, immigrant supporter.
"I come all the way from Berwyn, driving all the way to learn I have to wait for more," said Francisco Adan.
Just 75 percent of the immigrants wore sworn in. During the last two weeks, 25 percent of them have been turned away after receiving a notice. It states, in part, that the INS cannot "completely process your case..." because of "enhanced security procedures."
"The last thing we want to do is pull people from a citizenship ceremony. It's a very important day in their lives, it's something we didn't want to do, but for national security reasons we have to do it," said Cynthia O'Connell.
"It causes me a big inconvenience, I took off work, there is no reason why I should be denied," said John D., Filipino immigrant.
The INS says it needs extra time because there was a loop hole in the system. In the past, the INS has allowed immigrants to become citizens before they had passed a final security check. Now that check must be completed first.
"They can do whatever they want," said Perez, who like the others does not have a problem with the check. She just hopes her next trip will be worth the effort.
Perez and other immigrants, are expected to be approved for citizenship but because of the delays and the holidays now that probably will not happen until next year. In the meantime, the INS is still trying to call and warn those who are not qualified not to take part in their scheduled ceremonies. They hope to avoid situations like this one.
Last Updated: Dec 3, 2002
Note: This is just Information. I am not trying to create panic.Frankly, I believe everything will be in order by Jan 2003(hopefully).
By Stacey Baca
December 3, 2002 — It's a dream come true for many immigrants in Chicago--the day they become American citizens. But for many it's a dream deferred because of a problem with the Immigration Naturalization Services. A security glitch in the INS system is creating problems for hundreds of immigrants who are trying to become U.S. citizens.
"It was a nasty morning...driving on slick roads, in snowy conditions," said Maria Perez, Mexican immigrant.
"The traffic in the morning is really tough, so I had to come all the way from over there," said Perez. "Here I come all excited, I'll become an American citizen. Yeah! What's up?"
Perez drove from aurora to be in a federal courtroom, before the U.S. flag. Every year in Chicago, 35,000 immigrants raise their right hands and are sworn in as citizens. Unless, there's a glitch.
"Today, the American dream was suppose to be here...but today, we leave with nothing, I mean, this is ridiculous," said Gemma Olivar, immigrant supporter.
"I come all the way from Berwyn, driving all the way to learn I have to wait for more," said Francisco Adan.
Just 75 percent of the immigrants wore sworn in. During the last two weeks, 25 percent of them have been turned away after receiving a notice. It states, in part, that the INS cannot "completely process your case..." because of "enhanced security procedures."
"The last thing we want to do is pull people from a citizenship ceremony. It's a very important day in their lives, it's something we didn't want to do, but for national security reasons we have to do it," said Cynthia O'Connell.
"It causes me a big inconvenience, I took off work, there is no reason why I should be denied," said John D., Filipino immigrant.
The INS says it needs extra time because there was a loop hole in the system. In the past, the INS has allowed immigrants to become citizens before they had passed a final security check. Now that check must be completed first.
"They can do whatever they want," said Perez, who like the others does not have a problem with the check. She just hopes her next trip will be worth the effort.
Perez and other immigrants, are expected to be approved for citizenship but because of the delays and the holidays now that probably will not happen until next year. In the meantime, the INS is still trying to call and warn those who are not qualified not to take part in their scheduled ceremonies. They hope to avoid situations like this one.
Last Updated: Dec 3, 2002
Note: This is just Information. I am not trying to create panic.Frankly, I believe everything will be in order by Jan 2003(hopefully).