Sec. 2. Findings
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The Congress finds the following: According to the U.S. Census, there are presently more than 41.3 million foreign-born residents living in the United States, including 3 million refugees. Over half, or 50.8 percent, of the total foreign-born population reports speaking English less than very well . Limited English proficiency limits the employment prospects of these individuals and makes it more difficult to civically engage new immigrants. Moreover, according to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, in 2008, there were more than 1.3 million college-educated immigrants unemployed or working in unskilled jobs.
This results in a loss in worker productivity, loss of income tax revenue, added cost of greater dependence on social services, and undermines the Nation’s ability to attract skilled immigrants. A proactive integration policy for new immigrants and refugees at the State and local levels will maximize the benefits immigrants bring to our Nation.