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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 12, 2013 02:14 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Angel Cruz |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Urging Congress to Reform the Immigration and Nationality Act (Former HR 626) |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution urging Congress to reform the McCarran-Walter Act (P.L. 82-414) otherwise known as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by eliminating the English proficiency test and allowing administration of the civics test in the native language of the applicant. As you may know, The Naturalization Test, a requirement to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, is composed of two portions, the English test and the civics test. The English proficiency test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test is an oral exam and applicants must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions from a pool of 100 questions. Presently, applicants are exempt from the English test if the applicant is either: (1) age 50 or older and has lived as a permanent U.S. resident for 20 years, or (2) age 55 or older and has lived as a permanent U.S. resident for 15 years. In addition, the applicant is afforded the opportunity to complete the civics test in their native language. America was founded and built on the backs of hardworking immigrants who brought their language and customs along with their families and belongings to the Land of Opportunity. The present exemption reveals that English proficiency is unnecessary for citizenship. In addition, such a practice is counterintuitive to the American philosophy of fairness, equality, and opportunity. I believe the current Naturalization Test is based on unfounded fears and uncertainties, and prevents many eligible individuals from becoming citizens. We need to allow every individual the opportunity to become a citizen, gain further education, and learn English at one’s own pace. Previous co-sponsors: YOUNGBLOOD, JOSEPHS AND M. O'BRIEN |
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| View Attachment | ||
Introduced as HR141