John Kasich on Immigration Former Republican Representative (OH-12); 2000 candidate for President

Post-Sept-11 open-door melting-pot is essentially intact

We've tightened up our borders a bit, since September 11, 2001, and in some communities our tolerance thresholds have been challenged as we attempt to coexist with our Arab friends, but America's open-door, melting-pot, inclusiv approach remains essentially intact: You can build your temples here. But for the whole lot of us to survive, there needs to be that religious foundation, and there ought to be some uniformity within that foundation. Clearly, our Founding Fathers recognized this as well--celebrating our Judeo-Christian principles in our Constitution. The Jewish and Christian religions that flow from these principles give us our shared conscience, and provide an essential bulwark for any free and dynamic society.

Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers.

Declared English the official language of the US.

OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY:

Amends Federal law to declare English to be the official language of the US Government.
• Representatives of the Federal Government have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government.
• Requires such representatives to conduct official business in English.
• Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English.
• Requires that all officials conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.
• Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages.

EXCERPTS FROM BILL:

The Congress finds and declares the following:
2. The US is comprised of individuals and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
4. The US has benefited and continues to benefit from this rich diversity.
5. The common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a common language.
6. The Federal Government should maintain a language common to all people.
7. English has historically been the common language and the language of opportunity in the US.
8. The purpose of this title is to help immigrants better assimilate and take full advantage of opportunities in the US.
9. By learning the English language, immigrants will be empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to become responsible citizens and productive workers in the US.
10. The use of a single common language in conducting official business of the Federal Government will promote efficiency and fairness.
11. English should be recognized in law as the language of official business of the Federal Government.
12. Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of this title should be used for the teaching of the English language to non-English-speaking immigrants.