It really is connected to a debate that we have been having in various other committees having to do with the establishment of English as the official language. I think this amendment probably is an attendant idea connected to that proposition. The amendment to add an Englishspeaking requirement to the existing requirements for the diversity immigrant program and the employmentbased program I believe is diametrically opposite to the original intent of these programs. It serves no real purpose except to pander to this wave of antiimmigrant foreigners coming to the United States. and one of the criteria that this amendment is seeking to attach to this kind of notion is if the person is not fluent in the English language. Mr. Chairman. let me tell the Members that the specific intent of the diversity immigrant program is to expand the ability of people in underrepresented countries of origin to have the opportunity to come to the United States. not only Englishspeaking people but everyone throughout the world. Those that are not represented in sufficient categories coming to the United States have special opportunities through this lottery system to apply and to have the opportunity to qualify for admission. Mr.
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immigrant antiimmigrant