Speech #1090133504

But in so stating. it does not prevent those who are today receiving Government services in other languages from continuing to do so. We can have those discussions at another time. The second thing it does is it adopts an idea that has been suggested by Senator GRASSLEY. the Senator from Iowa. on another occasion during the debate on this bill. that for those immigrants who are currently in the country illegally but who may be able to adjust to a legal status under the way this bill is finally written. it establishes a clear English language requirement for them to become lawful permanent residents. The third thing it does is it establishes clear goals for the tests that immigrants take to become new American citizens. so that they know English. our common language. and so that they know American history. That test is currently being redesigned by the Department of Homeland Security. In doing so. this part of the Inhofe amendment picks up language that had been offered before by Senator REID and by me. and by Senator KENNEDY and Senator DODD. as we worked to create summer academies for outstanding students and teachers of American history. It should surprise no one that the Senate would pass a resolution stating that our national language is English. I can remember being at an education meeting in Rochester in the late 1990s. when someone asked: What is the rationale for common schools? And Albert Shanker. the late president of the American Federation of Teachers. said the public schools. the common schools of America were created to help largely immigrant children learn reading and writing and English and mathematics with the hope they would go home and teach their parents. So for a long time. we have tried to help new citizens learn our common language so we can speak to one another. and that has been English. Since 1906. our naturalization laws have required new citizens to know English and be able to pass tests in English. The Senate. at the beginning of the immigration debate. put a value on the English language by approving an amendment that said that the federal government would offer $500 grants paid for out of visa fees by those who are legally here. who are seeking to become prospective citizens. In other words. we want to help people learn English. That same amendment said that if you become fluent in English. we will cut a year off the time you have to wait to become a lawful. new citizen from 5 years to 4 years.