Speech #1100054559

The list goes on. Loophole No. 10. The talking points we were provided with that indicated this to be a good bill and that we should be supportive of it emphasize that the new bill we have would promote greater assimilation of those who come here to our country and greater English proficiencyboth of which I think are good ideas and we need to work on and should be a part of any immigration legislation that is passed. I believe that. However. the bill doesnt do it. Illegal aliens are not required to demonstrate any proficiency in English for more than a decade after they have been granted amnesty. You have heard people say we are requiring English. We are not requiring it for 10 years. Learning English is not required for illegal aliens to receive the probationary benefits or the first 4year Z visa or the second 4year Z visa. The first Z visa renewal. beginning on the second 4year visa. requires only that the alien demonstrate an "attempt" to learn English by being "on a waiting list for English classes." Passing a basic English test is required only for a second renewal. the third 4year Z visa. and then the alien only has to pass the test "prior to the expiration of the second extension of Z status." 12 years down the road. The bills sponsors claim they have to learn English before being granted amnesty. That is not true. Nothing in the bill requires the illegal alien to have any English skills before receiving probationary status. before receiving the first Z visa that lasts for 4 years. Only upon filing for renewal of the Z visa up to 61/ years down the road does the illegal alien have to meet any language requirement. At that time. the requirement is fulfilled with the most minimal effort." Demonstrating enrollment in" or being on a "waiting list for English classes: Second. when the alien applies for a second Z visa renewal. which would be 8 to 10 years from now. is there any real English requirement. At that time. the alien must "pass the naturalization test." It is common knowledge that the test is not a real English proficiency test--it is not. So there is not an emphasis on English. Even then. it is not clear that passing the test would be required before the second extension of Z visa status is granted. As a matter of fact. on page 295 the bill states that: ..the alien may make up to three attempts .. but must satisfy the requirement prior to the expiration of the second extension of Z visa status. As the bill is written. there is no real English requirement until 12 to 14 years down the road. and it is not as strong. I dont know why we are so concerned about that.