On the recordMarch 20, 1996
Let me read some of the language from the bill which makes very clear that this requirement is not an onerous requirement. Here we are talking about demonstrating the ability to speak English at a level required, without a dictionary, to meet routine social demands and to engage in a generally effective manner in casual conversation about topics of general interest, and to have a basic understanding of most conversations on nontechnical subjects. Also, the ability to read English at a level required to understand simple prose in a form equivalent to typescript or printing on subjects familiar to most general readers. This is not an onerous requirement. Also, I think it is important for us to understand that this applies only to those individuals coming in the employment-based classification and under the diversity program who will be permanent residents here.
Source
govinfo.gov
