There has been a lot of talk in Lewiston and surrounding communities regarding the refugees downtown starting new lives. Some good, some bad.

I simply want to post a challenge to the Somali elders.

In the United States, when a person from another country wants to come here, there is an extensive history check, requirements to learn English and all sorts of legal hoops for one to jump through to become naturalized.

If the “new Americans” are sincere about wanting to be part of the great melting pot that is America, wouldn’t it behoove them to become naturalized?

Better yet, maybe the federal government should intervene and stipulate that any person with refugee status be required to file for the naturalization process after one year of living in the United States.

I fear no government reprisal, as I am not spreading hate or discontent. I am just simply speaking good-old common sense.

Too bad there is so little left of that in this world.