THE WHITE HOUSE

                       Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                 September 17, 1999



                        STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT


     Today, as we celebrate Citizenship Day and Constitution Week,
thousands of individuals in naturalization ceremonies across America are
pledging their allegiance to the United States and to the ideals that
undergird our nation.  Like generations of immigrants past, they are driven
by a dream and to achieve that dream, they seek to learn the ways of this
land.  I believe we can help these new citizens become full participants in
American society.  That is why my Administration has proposed the creation
of the Common Ground Partnerships, an innovative initiative that would
combine expanded English language instruction with education in civics and
life skills.  This initiative, which my FY 2000 budget funds at $70
million, will help ensure that those who become Americans learn not only
the words of the citizenship oath but also the broader language of our
civic life.  I hope that Members of Congress from both parties will
recognize the power of this important initiative to build a stronger
American community.