The formal signing ceremony, originally expected to take place on Monday December 11 in the Rose Garden at the White House, has been postponed to later in the week.

The reason, officials say, is that the White House has not had enough time to invite key lawmakers, Indian-American community leaders and others who helped push the bill through the US Congress.

The US House of Representatives only voted on the bill Friday and the Senate gave its unanimous consent early on Saturday US time, officials point out.

The White House did consider a simple ceremony, with President Bush signing the bill on Monday and issuing a statement thanking all concerned.

However, too many lawmakers and other interested parties have expressed interest in being present at an official signing. The White House has as a result decided to postpone the ceremony to either Wednesday or Thursday.

Such formal signing ceremonies follow lines established by tradition. The American president first thanks all concerned, naming key players and acknowledging their contributions; in his statement, he also speaks to the importance of the bill he is about to sign.

The signing itself is with a special pen bearing the White House logo and Presidential seal, which is then gifted to one of the invited guests.

When the number of worthy recipients is more than one, US Presidents have been known to sign their names with two or three or even half a dozen pens, so each guest can have a pen that 'officially' signed the deal.