What happened to requiring English?

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, October 26, 2006

Reading my Herald on Oct. 16, I noted a small story on Page A3, wherein it was reported that our U.S. Department of Justice was suing the city of Philadelphia, claiming it was violating the rights of Spanish speaking voters by failing to provide language assistance at the polls to most Spanish-speaking voters in recent elections.

So, my question is this: I have always thought that, in order to receive U.S. citizenship, that one had to be able to pass the citizenship test and also show an ability to read, write and understand the English language. If one failed at this, he/she failed the citizenship test and, thus, not being a citizen, would not be eligible to vote. Where am I wrong on this? Has that language requirement been quietly abolished?

It seems to me that something is seriously amiss here. Would I be able to vote in, say, Mexico if I were unable to understand Spanish? Would they then provide me with an English language interpreter? I don’t think so!

Please, someone, bring me up to date on the apparently new requirements for attaining U.S. citizenship.

Marilyn Fisken

Brier