Voting Rights Suit Challenging Naturalization Delays Proceeds

We previously reported on the lawsuit in New York, where immigration patterns have been changing dramatically, challenging the delay of the federal government in processing naturalization petitions.  The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund filed suit last spring charging that the U.S. government has failed to timely grant citizenship. Because of a backlog on processing naturalization applications, more than 1 million applicants, mostly Latinos, have had citizenship withheld and with it, the ability to vote and fully participate in determining the future of the country.

Now, the N.Y. Times reports that the action is proceeding and a push is on to process the naturalization petitions so that the immigrants can become citizens in time for the November elections.  Attorneys appeared in court earlier this week in the case.  Stay tuned!

KJ