PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 6, 1997
Naturalization Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make criminal deportation a bar to U.S. naturalization. (Sec. 3) Establishes a ten-year period of good moral character for naturalization purposes. (Sec. 4) Requires a fingerprint and criminal background check of certain aliens and alien sponsors. (Sec. 5) Requires an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) personal interview as part of the permanent resident adjustment of status and naturalization procedures. (Sec. 7) Authorizes citizenship testing by private entities. Sets forth related provisions, including a report by the Comptroller General of the United States of such testing's integrity. (Sec. 8) Establishes a civil penalty for failure to report the loss, theft, or destruction of a resident alien card. Requires the surrender, or an affidavit of loss, theft, or destruction, of a resident alien card upon naturalization. (Sec. 9) Revises revocation of naturalization provisions with respect to materiality and presumption of willfulness. (Sec. 10) Directs the Attorney General to provide for ongoing review of INS naturalization compliance.
People & committees
Sen. Abraham, Spencer [R-MI] · R–MI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to Subcommittee on Immigration.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11864-11865)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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