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Home – Texas Politics & News – Texas Wants English to Be the Common Language of Citizenship

Texas Wants English to Be the Common Language of Citizenship

At least 14% of Texans say they don’t speak English well. Rep. Brandon Gill, a Texas Republican, wants to change that.

Last week, Gill introduced the English Language Proficiency Act, which would require immigrants to be proficient in English to become citizens. The bill was cosponsored by Republican Reps. Beth Van Duyne of Texas, Barry Moore of Alabama, and Randy Fine of Florida.

“English is what binds us together as a society,” Fine told the Daily Signal in an interview. “If you don’t speak English, you cannot fully integrate into what it means to be an American. English should be our national language, and everyone should be required to speak it.”

Existing federal law requires proficiency in English to become a citizen—in most cases. But there is a crucial loophole: Applicants do not need English proficiency if they are more than 50 years old and lawful permanent residents for more than 20 years, or 55 years old and lawful permanent residents for more than 15 years.

Gill’s bill would require English proficiency regardless of age. Van Duyne said this brings higher incomes and better economic prospects for immigrants.

“People coming to the United States should not be a burden on our nation, and being able to speak our common language helps ensure they will be productive and better able to assimilate,” Van Duyne told the Daily Signal in a........

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