Feeney's Immigration Terrible Top Ten Countdown No. 6

Number 6: No Assimilation Required
12 Million Plus Get 8 Years to Learn English

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) today announced the fifth of ten reasons why every hardworking taxpayer should oppose this immigration amnesty sellout.

There is no requirement that illegal immigrants know a word of English to get amnesty. Even four years after they have been given amnesty, they are only required to "attempt" to gain an understanding of the English language. Furthermore, the "attempt" is shown by "taking" (not passing) the naturalization test and being placed "on a waiting list for English classes" (not actually taking the class).

"Illegal immigrants awarded amnesty would not actually be required to learn English until eight years after they are given legal status. This irresponsible legislation lays out incredibly lax standards for truly becoming a part of our society, and it fails to recognize our English language as the shared bond that holds together American culture. Without such a unifying factor, our great society will continue to degenerate into a balkanized group without shared goals or dreams," said Feeney.

Rep. Feeney is a cosponsor of Rep. Steve King's (R-IA) English Language Unity Act of 2007. This legislation states that:

• The United States is comprised of individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and continues to benefit from this rich diversity.
• Throughout the history of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the English language.

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