Speech #1040191369

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman. my amendment would establish an English language proficiency requirement for immigrants arriving in the United States under the Diversity Immigrant Program and the EmploymentBased Classification. Under the amendment. proficiency in English would be determined by a standardized test established by the Secretary of Education. The amendment would also establiph a preference for b.cklogged spniusei and children of lawful permanent resident aliens who demonstrate English language proficiency. Such immigrants would have their priority date advanced by 180 days. This amendment would be an lmrortant addition to the underlying legislation. It is our common language that brings us together as a nation. As de Toqueville said. "The tie of language is perhaps the strongest and most durable that can unite mankind." There is a substantial body of empirical evidence to support the proposition that there is a direct correlation between an individuals ability to speak English in America and that persons economic fortunes. The 1990 census found that nearly 14 million Americans did not have a high level of proficiency in the English language. more than twothirds of them immigrants. A study conducted by Richard Vedder and Lowell Gallaway of Ohio University concludes that if Immigrant knowledge of English were raised to that of the native born population. their income levels would have increased by over $63 billion a year. In April of 1994. the Texas Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs published a study of Southeast Asian refugees in Texas which demonstrated that among that population. individuals proficient in English earned over 20 times the annual income of those who did not speak English. Another study which focused on Hispanic men concluded that those men who did not have English proficiency suffered up to a 20percent loss of earnings compared with those who were English proficient. In addition.