The path to citizenship is a long and costly investment that makes it difficult for people wishing to become citizens to do so. The State of New York cannot change the Federal requirements for citizenship but we can streamline the process for those applying. I would create legislation that would help cut through the red tape in the process and streamline it. Additionally, my legislation would offer State assistance to assist in the cost of the process. This process would place applicants into programs to ensure employment and, or continuing education and "serving" a term of time as "repayment" for the process. Once that "term" or "contract" obligation has been met, these applicants would meet the requirements to become citizens and the State would expedite those applications and cover any cost incurred.