Immigration issues across the pond

(From the Daily Mail)

Benefits will be stripped from immigrants who cannot speak English, it has been reported.

David Cameron intends to make the cuts in order to slash the country’s welfare bill, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The Prime Minister reportedly wants to stop printing welfare literature in foreign languages and prevent claimants using taxpayer-funded translators at benefits offices.

According to the newspaper the measures, which were due to be announced on Monday, have been delayed following a row with Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister.

It is hoped the scrapping of foreign-language documentation explaining how to claim benefits will make it harder for immigrants to make use of the UK’s benefits system, while encouraging those already in the country to learn English. The measures would also save the money spent on translators.
The Mail on Sunday said the plans, which would also affect British residents who cannot speak English, have been drawn up by Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary.

A Conservative source told the newspaper: “The vast majority of voters will think this idea is plain common sense.

“It is unreasonable to expect taxpayers to spend huge sums on translators when people should be learning to read and write English.”

Liam Fox, the former Defence Secretary, said: “The principle is a good one but it needs to be introduced in a way that’s fair and reasonable.

“If it is, it will meet with general public approval. The ability to speak English is one of the most empowering tools in the labour market and we should be encouraging as many people as possible to learn it.”

The Mail on Sunday said there had been a series of private disagreements between Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg over the measures.

However, Tory sources reportedly said they were hopeful the changes will be confirmed later this week if the Liberal Democrats can be persuaded.

An unnamed official involved in the plan told the newspaper: “Cameron and Duncan Smith are very enthusiastic about it, but the Lib Dems had a wobble. They are nervous of being portrayed as being too harsh on immigrants.”

Keith Vaz, the Labour MP and chairman of the Commons’ home affairs committee, said: “In principle, it is a good idea, but it could cost the taxpayer more because if people are refused benefit and have a genuine claim, they will sue the Government.”

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/david-camerons-immigrants-benefits-plan-2014-1#ixzz2rHB2EyK2