Speech #1010042204

This is a category that has been used in Canada and in Australia where points are given for certain abilities and skills. and in Australia and Canada a certain number of points are issued for those who have a proficiency in English. In the debate in the Judiciary Committee. which is always very spirited. there were several who addressed the issue of points for English. My guest grandparents did not know English when they came and many of us can state that. too. when we discuss our immigrant heritage. But the issue is. and I hope you will keep it in mind when it does come before the body. and it will come in one way or another. that when we are talking about this English proficiency. we are speaking of it in the context of the point system only which has to do with only 9 percent of the numbers in this bill. I want all of our colleagues to know. if an English amendment is offered. that we are talking about an aspect or a qualification which applies only to 9 percent of the immigration under this bill. I Just wanted to share that with my colleagues. Mr. President. the bill. as Senator KENNEDY has observed. follows many of the recommendations of the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy. The bill passed the Senate last year by a vote of 88 to 4. It was not taken up by the House. I feel quite assured that it will be this time. We have new judiciary personnel in the House. both Democrat and Republican. I think they realize the importance of dealing with legal immigration. There is a new chairman of the subcommittee. Mr.