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  1. #1
    Senior Member NoIllegalsAllowed's Avatar
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    Senate Votes to Make English Official Language

    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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  2. #2
    greymedic's Avatar
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    English should be our national language

    It is about time that this happans. To be a strong nation we all need to speak the same language.

  3. #3
    mrmiata7's Avatar
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    Who is in control?

    My question to our fortune 500, foreign potentate, illegal alien and drug cartel controlled miserable failure of an administration and Senate johns is what part of your jobs that you are supposed to do that you DON'T understand?

  4. #4

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    Ah the tangled web reporters weave when they seek to deceive ...

    I watched the debate and at this time- you still can't access the Salazar (Democrat) amendment on Thomas.
    Nevertheless if my understanding is correct:
    The selected text of law fought over:
    'Under United States law (8 U.S.C. 1423 (a)), lawful permanent residents of the United States who have immigrated from foreign countries must, among other requirements, demonstrate an understanding of the English language, United States history and Government, to become citizens of the United States.'

    The Republican amendment preserved the condition required for US Citizenship, the Democrat Amnd. did not.

    The intent of the Democrat Amendment which passed after the Republican one, eroded the US States law (8 U.S.C.) by relaxing (dumbing down) the requirement for English proficiency and the understanding of US History, Government and Culture.

    In Truth, the Democrats Amnd. serves to undermine the spirit and principal of the purpose of the law by NOT requiring immersion and assimilation; by finding acceptable a very limited understanding of USA culture, history, gov't and the English language.

  5. #5
    Senior Member dman1200's Avatar
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    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?"
    Fairness? They came here, what did they expect? If they don't like it, they can go back to where they came from. Try going to Mexico or any other country for that matter Turbin boy and see if you can get by with soley speaking English.
    Please support our fight against illegal immigration by joining ALIPAC's email alerts here https://eepurl.com/cktGTn

  6. #6
    Senior Member lsmith1338's Avatar
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    They have never made accomodations on language for any other people that have immigrated to the US from other countries why should we accomodate them? Learn english or get out!!!
    Freedom isn't free... Don't forget the men who died and gave that right to all of us....
    Support our FIGHT AGAINST illegal immigration & Amnesty by joining our E-mail Alerts at http://eepurl.com/cktGTn

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