Speech #1010043847

President. the Senator from Wyoming has correctly described the history of this particular provision. There are several reasons I had supported that particular proposal. We do not require English language for any refugees that come here. They are fleeing from persecution in fear of their lives. so we do not set that as a criterion. We do not require English language for any immigrants that come here because we put the highest value on the reunification of families. And when they come here because they have families. they come with contacts here and they have support systems here. making English unnecessary at first. The only area where we had proposed that the English provisions apply was in the independent category as one of the ways to achieve some points. That war in that one limited areaas the Senator has correctly pointed outcomprising less than 10 percent. about 8 to 9 percent. So it is important to note that there is no language requirement for any other immigrant category. Another point is that we have seen as a result of our hearings. in testimony from the various church agencies and from the Department of Labor. when we look at the history of both refugees and new immigrants. the individuals who are able to move into the economy most rapidly are the ones who develop English skills. That is the testimony we received. And it is part of the record. So I think it is understandably important. for the reasons the Senator has pointed out. in gaining early employment. We are looking only at the independent category with this amendmentthe individuals who come here who do not have the support systems. do not have the family here and are coming into a new land. As we are also going to require of these immigrants certain skills which are essential in terms of our own economy. unique skills that ensure they will be able to add to our economyand the Department of Labor study will indicate what those skills arewe thought it also important that English be considered as well as a way to make those skills immediately applicable. So that basically is the background as to how the English was put in the legislation as introduced. which I certainly supported. Furthermore. it should be noted that English is required before individuals are able to obtain citizenship.