Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, federal courts have the option to administer the oaths. They are reimbursed $14.09 per person by the citizenship agency, with the money to be used to help defray overhead and other court costs.

But a report released Tuesday by agency ombudsman Michael Dougherty said some of the federal courts that have agreed to administer oaths have either taken too much time to schedule the ceremonies or have made other demands that have made it difficult for many people to achieve citizenship in a timely fashion.

One court's delay caused 1,951 people to miss the registration period that would have allowed them to vote in the November election. In another case, a court insisted the agency spend more money to rent a scenic historical site for the ceremony, which the agency agreed to do after a week of haggling with the court. And judges have made inappropriate religious or political comments at ceremonies.

Although stating the agency works hard to naturalize citizens and many courts provide flexible scheduling, Dougherty also said courts that choose to give oaths should "embrace a customer service ethic that recognizes the singular importance of oath ceremonies."

We could not agree more.

In a national teleconference Thursday, Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.), said Obama had asked him to relay that he remains committed to a comprehensive solution to repair the nation's immigration system. Advocates said Obama's Cabinet appointments were a promising sign that he was assembling a strong team to deliver on reform promises, including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as secretary of Commerce, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as secretary of Homeland Security and, announced Thursday, Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-El Monte) as secretary of Labor.

All three are strong supporters of comprehensive reform, including a path to citizenship for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants.

"It's another indication that immigration reform is going to be a high priority for the incoming administration," said David Mermin, a pollster with Lake Research Partners. Mermin said that the majority of Americans he surveyed for America's Voice support a comprehensive solution that would secure the borders, crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants, and offer legalization to undocumented migrants who pay fines, learn English and meet other requirements.

In the next six weeks, Congress and President-elect Obama will be determine whether Washington can bridge the partisan polarization that has gripped the Capitol for more than a generation. Congressional Quarterly's most recent vote studies conclude that the Bush presidency produced the greatest levels of polarization since CQ began measuring it.

Four questions will determine the viability of Obama's post-partisan vision. Will Republicans be allowed to make substantive contributions to the rescue package? Will they have a voice in the most partisan responsibility of Congress, the budget? Can Obama convince Democratic leaders in Congress that it is in their interest to let the Republicans play a meaningful role? Will Republicans, especially in the Senate, find cooperation a more productive path and turn aside automatic filibusters against Administration proposals?

The answers will not only impact the immediate agenda, but will also help determine the fate of Obama's most significant proposals to reform energy, health care and tax policies.