US naturalization is a privilege, not a right

Americans have witnessed the rise of gang violence sweep across our nation and seep into our communities. Otherwise peaceful and safe neighborhoods have been plagued by the violence and brutality of some of the world’s most notorious gangs. Those of us who call Long Island, N.Y., home as I do have experienced this brutality firsthand, perpetrated by gangs, such as MS-13.

From the vicious machete murder of four teenagers to the childhood best friends stabbed and beaten to death simply walking down the street, MS-13’s violence has taken hold in our communities and festered. Its members sexually assaulted a teenager in her home and murdered Long Islanders in local parking lots. We can no longer stand idly by as this gang’s notorious violence ravages our streets. We must crack down on the aspects of our nation’s broken immigration system and other policies that have allowed MS-13 and other gangs to hold our communities hostage. This is a monumental task, and every level of government has a role to play.

{mosads}In Congress, I introduced the “Protecting Our Communities from Gang Violence Act,” H.R. 5065, which would revoke the naturalization of those involved in gang activity prior to or within 10 years of becoming naturalized. United States naturalization is a privilege not a right, and those who have had this privilege bestowed upon them must respect and uphold the laws of our land.

Furthermore, this legislation prevents naturalized gang members from sponsoring unaccompanied children. Gang members who target, manipulate and take advantage of young vulnerable children in a new and unknown country propagate the multigenerational gang issue we now face on Long Island. Allowing these susceptible children to be swept into a life of crime sets them and us up for failure.

I support legal immigration and everyone has compassion for those coming to our great nation to pursue the American dream, escape poverty, oppression or violence, and this legislation is also for them. This legislation is rooted in protecting the nation we love, aimed at protecting the safety and security of our communities for those who have called America home for generations, those who are the first generation to do so, and the law abiding immigrants who have yet to come.

If you want to come to America and pursue the American dream, follow the rules. America has, and will continue to, welcome immigrants who are ready to contribute to our workforce and economy, but America must not reward or excuse criminal behavior.

The “Protecting Our Communities from Gang Violence Act” is common-sense legislation that protects our nation’s immigration process for those who follow the laws of our nation and keeps our neighborhoods safe. It is a critical step in closing our nation’s broken immigration system’s legal loopholes that have allowed gang violence to take hold in our communities and stay there.

Congressman Lee Zeldin is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and represents New York’s 1^st District on the east end of Long Island.