Marco Rubio Calls for Immigrants to Have English Proficiency to Get Green Cards

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, R-FL, announced on Tuesday morning that he plans to amend the immigration reform bill to ensure that residential provisional immigrants (RPIs) need to be proficient in English to receive a green card.

On the day we announced the principles that would shape the immigration bill, we made it clear that English proficiency would now be required for permanent residency for the first time in American history, said Rubio. This amendment ensures that will be the case.

Since the bill was introduced two months ago, the open and transparent process it has undergone has elicited constructive criticisms to improve it, Rubio continued. This is one of the bills shortcomings that came to light, which we can now fix.

In recent days, despite his prominent role in crafting the bill and supporting it in national media appearances, Rubio has expressed reservations about it, including calling for amendments to increase border security. As he still considers running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, Rubio continues to try to craft the immigration reform bill while ensuring conservatives arent too displeased with the overall product. Its a tricky balancing act and Rubios efforts promise to be one of summers the more interesting political dramas.