The House and Senate both passed bills this week that would streamline the naturalization process for legal permanent residents serving in the military. The legislation moved to conference to resolve differences, such as the waiting period reduction - shortened from three years of service to one year in the House and two years in the Senate - and over additional benefits to the families of immigrant soldiers killed in action.

The House bill, HR 1954, which would allow soldiers to take citizenship exams overseas and would waive administrative fees, passed 410-5. Similar legislation passed in the Senate as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill. The amendment contains language from S. 922, the Naturalization and Family Protection for Military Members Act of 2003.

The bills would affect about 37,500 legal immigrants currently serving in all branches of the armed forces, according to Department of Defense estimates.

American Immigration Lawyers Association President Jack Pinnix said the votes recognized the unique contributions of immigrants in the military.

“The war in Iraq underscores an important reality:  Not only do immigrants contribute to our economy, our culture, and our social fabric, they also put their lives on the line for America." Pinnix said.

The bills would make permanent an executive order signed by President Bush that waived the three year waiting period for active duty soldiers during wartime.

"I believe there is no better way to honor the heroism and sacrifice of those who serve than to offer them the American citizenship they deserve," said Senator John Cornyn, a co-sponsor of the Senate amendment.

Pinnix said AILA hoped the final draft would reflect measures in the Senate's version that benefit family members and not include a House provision that would revoke citizenship.