Submitted by Marc Jones, Mar 3, 2007 20:55

I think that the proposed changes in the citizenship procedures for new United States citizens will not impact new Americans in a negative way. The decision to change one's country of residence is a big thing for most everyone who does so. To actually move and establish new roots takes a long time. For those immigrants to the U.S. who have done so - it takes five years before one can be naturalized – by being accepted in their new home they've already received the best "pat on the back" they could ever want. If for practical reasons it is necessary to tone down the immigration ceremony a bit, I don't think the new citizens will mind.

I think a bigger question is, what of the stated intentions of Congress and the administration to grant blanket amnesty and citizenship to illegal immigrants? It seems to cheapen the value of American citizenship. While I have every sympathy to those who come to the U.S. to improve their life, what is the government saying to those who have played by the rules when it winks and grants the same rights to those who chose another route? One erroneous message that may be drawn is that the laws don't matter, just don't get caught!

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