Mr. Chairman. although the focus of the debate surrounding this legislation has been on the use of foreign languages by immigrants. in reality. the core of the issue concerning minority language provisions of the Voting Rights Act is the constitutional and civil rights of American citizens--both native bom as well as naturalizedwhose first language is not English. The minority language assistance provisions of the Voting Rights Act have been signed Into law and supported by President Ford. Reagan and Bush. as well as Presidents Clinton and Carter. During their most recent reauthorization in 1992. Senator HATCH said that the provisions are an "integral part of our governments assurance that Americans do have . . . access" to the ballot box.
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immigrants