Today. I am introducing a bill to correct this situation. Under the legislation. the Immigration and Nationality Act would be amended to modify the requirement for naturalization of an understanding of the English language. Under current law. we allow an English language exemption for those who are physically unable to learn English and for those who are over 50 years old and have been permanent resident aliens living in this country for 20 years. My bill would amend the law with three new provisions. First. people must make a diligent effort to learn English. In addition. they must be over 65 years of age and they must have been lawful permanent resident aliens living in this country for at least 5 years. The INS estimates that this change could not affect roughly 3.200 of the 166.000 persons who become naturalized citizens each year. This bill will help older people. who are citizens in all but name. to achieve their goal. It is the only fair and compassionate thing to do.*
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naturalization Immigration naturalized