New Bill on English Proficiency for Naturalized Citizens

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced a bill on Thursday aimed at ensuring that naturalized American citizens speak the same language as their fellow citizens.

Breitbart News has reported that the proposed English Proficiency Act, crafted by Gill, would eliminate certain exceptions related to English proficiency and civics tests in U.S. naturalization law.

While this bill wouldn’t forbid Americans from using languages other than English, it emphasizes the importance of having a common language to strengthen civic ties within communities and the nation. It also helps future citizens by equipping them with essential tools for integration into American society.

“English is the common language that unites America’s communities,” Gill stated. “It is crucial that all Americans can communicate in the same language. My bill aims to hold everyone to the same standards already established and restore equal treatment under naturalization laws.”

Currently, applicants for naturalization who are 50 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years, and those who are 55 or older with 15 years of residency, are exempt from the English requirement. Additionally, applicants aged 65 and older who have resided for 20 years receive special consideration on the civics exam.

Gill’s English Proficiency Act would remove these age-based exemptions, requiring all applicants to meet the same English and civics standards, regardless of their age.

This legislation does not introduce new naturalization requirements. Instead, it seeks to promote equality by eliminating special exemptions for a particular age group that currently receives leniency in meeting legal requirements.

Given the rising number of foreign language speakers immigrating to the United States, Gill believes this bill is timely. The increase in diverse languages could potentially discourage full assimilation.

According to the State Department’s data, the number of individuals speaking a language other than English at home has nearly tripled over the last 30 years, increasing from 23.1 million to 67.8 million people.

Among the most commonly spoken non-English languages in U.S. households are Chinese (3.49 million speakers), Tagalog (1.7 million), Vietnamese (1.5 million), and Arabic (1.2 million).

Gill’s bill has gained support from Republican Reps. Randy Fine (Florida), Barry Moore (Alabama), and Beth Van Duyne (Texas), as well as organizations like the Immigration Accountability Project and Pro English.