To amend title 4 United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the United States and to promote the patriotic integration of prospective US citizens.

SA 4064. Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Burns,
Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Coburn, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Graham)
proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2611, to provide for comprehensive
immigration reform and for other purposes; as follows:

On page 295, line 22, strike ``the alien--'' and all that
follows through page 296, line 5, and insert ``the alien
meets the requirements of section 312.''.

[[Page S4724]]

On page 352, line 3, strike ``either--'' and all that
follows through line 15, and insert ``meets the requirements
of section 312(a) (relating to English proficiency and
understanding of United States history and Government).''.
On page 614, after line 5, insert the following:

SEC. 766. ENGLISH AS NATIONAL LANGUAGE

(a) In General.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT
``Sec.
``161. Declaration of national language
``162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national language

``Sec. 161. Declaration of official language

``English is the national language of the United States

Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national
language

``The Government of the United States shall preserve and
enhance the role of English as the national language of the
United States of America. Unless specifically stated in
applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim
to have the Government of the United States or any of its
officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or
provide services, or provide materials in any language
other than English. If exceptions are made, that does not
create a legal entitlement to additional services in that
language or any language other than English. If any forms
are issued by the Federal Government in a language other
than English (or such forms are completed in a language
other than English), the English language version of the
form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.'' .
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for title
4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:

``6. Language of the Government..............................161''.....

SEC. 767. REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION.

(a) Findings.--The Senate makes the following findings:
(1). Under United States law (8 U.S.C. 1423 (a)), lawful
permanent residents of the United States who have immigrated
from foreign countries must, among other requirements,
demonstrate an understanding of the English language, United
States history and Government, to become citizens of the
United States.
(2). The Department of Homeland Security is currently
conducting a review of the testing process used to ensure
prospective United States citizens demonstrate said knowledge
of the English language and United States history and
government for the purpose of redesigning said test.
(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section only, the
following words are defined:
(1) Key document.--The term ``key documents'' means the
documents that established or explained the foundational
principles of democracy in the United States, including the
United States Constitution and the amendments to the
Constitution (particularly the Bill of Rights), the
Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, and the
Emancipation Proclamation.
(2) Key events,-- The term ``key events'' means the
critical turning points in the history of the United States
(including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the world
wars of the twentieth century, the civil rights movement, and
the major court decisions and legislation) that contributed
to extending the promise of democracy in American life.
(3) Key ideas.--The term ``key ideas'' means the ideas that
shaped the democratic institutions and heritage of the United
States, including the notion of equal justice under the law,
freedom, individualism, human rights, and a belief in
progress.
(4) Key persons.--The term ``key persons'' means the men
and women who led the United States as founding fathers,
elected officials, scientists, inventors, pioneers, advocates
of equal rights, entrepreneurs, and artists.
(c) Goals for Citizenship Test Redesign.--The Department of
Homeland Security shall establish as goals of the testing
process designed to comply with provisions of [8 U.S.C. 1423
(a)] that prospective citizens:
1. demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the English
language for usage in everyday life;
2. demonstrate an understanding of American common values
and traditions, including the principles of the Constitution
of the United States, the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for
the flag of the United States, the National Anthem, and
voting in public elections;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the history of the
United States, including the key events, key persons, key
ideas, and key documents that shaped the institutions and
democratic heritage of the United States;
4. demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the
Constitution of the United States and the well being and
happiness of the people of the United States; and
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship in the United States.
(d) Implementation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall implement changes to the testing process designed to
ensure compliance with [8 U.S.C. 1423 (a)] not later than
January 1, 2008.
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