N.C. SENATORS
Dole, Burr back bid for official language
http://www.charlotte.com/politics/story/133640.html
English-only plan part of immigrant bill debate
LISA ZAGAROLI
lzagaroli@mcclatchydc.com
WASHINGTON --
North Carolina's senators are supporting a measure that would make English the national language.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican from Salisbury, said making English the country's official language would eliminate government waste and "unite all Americans by providing a common form of communication."
Dole and Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican from Winston-Salem, have co-sponsored the English-only amendment to a controversial immigration package that the Senate is considering this week.
It says that no person has a right to have the government communicate, perform services or provide materials in any language other than English. If a government entity makes an exception, that doesn't create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language, says the amendment, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.
"Immigrants must be proficient in English to maximize their employment and economic opportunities in this country," Dole said in a written statement Wednesday.
Burr said the United States is built on a tradition of speaking English.
"Having a common language is a fundamental part of our national heritage and daily life," he said through an aide. "By encouraging legal immigrants to learn English, we will reduce language barriers and better assimilate new residents into our society."
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., of Greenville, is another co-sponsor.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., of Seneca, last year voted for a measure that declared English the national language and another that deemed it the "common unifying language