A permanent resident or “green card” holder is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis and such person should not be subject to an English language requirement.  A person can become a permanent resident in several different ways. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylee status or other humanitarian programs. America is a nation founded on immigrants, even today America does not have an “official language”, although most everyone would agree that the majority of the people residing in the United States speak English. However, to require everyone to learn and know English prior to receiving permanent residency would be unfair and unjust.

For example, if we required all refugees and asylees to know English prior to being eligible to leave their home country where they are likely to be persecuted, abused, and or killed, we would definitely not be meeting the principles of humanitarian law, which the United States subscribes to under international laws, treaties and conventions, including but not limited, to: the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the four Geneva Conventions (1949) on international humanitarian law. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 14(1) states “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” Language is not a requirement and it should not be part of the criteria for providing aid, shelter, and freedom to those in need of a better life. “America was founded on the principle of fairness, of giving everyone a chance to make his or her own way in life—not on language skills.” Therefore, an individual seeking permanent resident status should not be required to know English.

If you want to learn more about whether or not you are eligible for permanent residency status/”green card” status click here. Call Subhan Law Office, LLC today for any questions concerning your specific immigration issue, we are here to help you live the American Dream. Call (414)-232-8704 or toll free at 1-855-946-6848.