From the Los Angeles Times

Senate Votes to Make English Official Language

By Michael Muskal And Nicole Gaouette, Times Staff Writers

May 18, 2006, 4:41 PM PDT

WASHINGTON — English would be declared the "national language" of the United States under a measure approved by the Senate today, a largely symbolic move that supporters said would promote unity and ensure assimilation by immigrants.

The Senate passed two amendments, one Democratic and one Republican. The Democratic version is more specific on protecting translation and bilingual services.

The GOP-backed amendment, which passed 63 to 34, would allow the government to continue to offer publications and services -- such as bilingual ballots -- in languages other than English. It would require all illegal immigrants seeking to legalize their status in the United States to pass English proficiency tests and would offer guidelines to the Department of Homeland Security for a revised citizenship test.

Heated discussions about the measure dominated the Senate's proceedings, as proponents argued that it was needed to unite the country, while opponents insisted that it would leave the nation more divided.

Designating an official language is important to conservatives, who argue that the government should require English proficiency to ensure that the country does not descend into two societies, and that the 11 million to 12 million undocumented workers now in the United States only become citizens if they can speak the language.

Republicans, led by the principal sponsor, Sen. James Inhoffe (R-Okla.), argued that the amendment is needed because a common language is an important step in allowing people to talk to each other.

"It will help unify us as a nation," said Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.).

But the amendment also creates questions of fairness, said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), citing the possibility of someone who is legally in the United States but has difficulty with English. Currently, interpreters are provided in many official forums, such as courts. And many states, including California, provide official ballots in different languages.

"Are we going too far?" Durbin asked about the amendment. "What of people who are poor with limited language skills? Are we being fair?"

Republicans insisted that the amendment's language wouldn't prevent needed translations services.

"We are having a great debate on what it means to be an American," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Graham also mentioned the need to respond to recent demonstrations where immigrant rights advocates waved Mexican flags.

"The reason I'm voting for this is that I think it tries to unite us," Graham said, adding that nothing in the amendment prevents the use of interpreters in courtrooms for those whose English is not strong enough. "It doesn't disturb the legal situation in this country. If I thought it did, I wouldn't vote for it."

The Democrats' concerns led to their amendment, which passed 58 to 39.

Earlier, the Senate reconsidered an action it had taken Wednesday to bar guest workers from petitioning on their own for legal status. In a 56-43 vote today, the Senate allowed guest workers to act on their own if the government determines no American workers are available for the job being filled.

At this point, most observers expect the Senate to pass a bill that will have something for everyone: tougher security at the borders; a guest worker provision to allow people to enter the United States legally; and a path for citizenship for many of the estimated 12 million undocumented workers in the country.

Conservatives have called the legalization provisions an amnesty, a term hotly denied by Senate sponsors who stress that those illegally in the country would have to pay fines and learn English before becoming citizens.

President Bush opposes amnesty but has said he supports a comprehensive approach like the one being considered in the Senate.

After the Senate passes its version of the immigration bill, a further battle with House conservatives is expected and that outcome remains unclear.

The House has passed a tougher bill that would make being an illegal immigrant a felony. The bill also increases border security, but it does not have any provision for granting citizenship to undocumented workers in the United States.

Copyright © 2006, The Los Angeles Times

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