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When Congress does get around to changing our immigration laws, it should consider ways of encouraging the assimilation of immigrants, as well deciding on whom and how many to admit. We should give priority to immigrants who already speak English, since this is a key factor in their successful integration into American society. That doesn't mean we take only people who hail from English-speaking countries; language is, after all, a skill that can be learned. But why not give incentives for learning English before they get their green card? And why not encourage employers who want to hire these workers by giving them tax incentives if they offer on-the-job English classes to improve immigrants' skills? We could also give priority admission to immigrants willing to serve in the U.S. military, provided they have the requisite English and educational skills.

Successful assimilation should be the goal of U.S. immigration policy. Instead, it's usually given short shrift in drafting immigration laws. When Congress takes up the issue again, as it most assuredly must next year, we should look to improving our assimilation index across all measures: economic, cultural, and civic.

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Linda Chavez is the author of "An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal."

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

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