Obtaining a Green Card and permanent residence in the United States is a tedious process, in which not knowing how to speak English can be a disadvantage. However, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stated that it is not necessary to be fluent in English for this procedure, although a certain level of proficiency is required for the naturalization process. During the immigration interview process, you can now request a translator. Despite all the commotion surrounding immigration in the US, this gesture dispels the myth.
Questions about the requirements for obtaining permanent resident status
The desire to obtain a Green Card generates a flood of questions about the requirements for obtaining permanent resident status. Among the many concerns, one of the most persistent—and often most distressing—revolves around English language proficiency. Many believe that not being able to speak English fluently can close the door to the American dream. However, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this belief is a myth: speaking English is not a requirement for applying for a permanent resident card.
Questions about the requirements for obtaining permanent resident status
The desire to obtain a Green Card generates a flood of questions about the requirements for obtaining permanent resident status. Among the many concerns, one of the most persistent—and often most distressing—revolves around English language proficiency. Many believe that not being able to speak English fluently can close the door to the American dream. However, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this belief is a myth: speaking English is not a requirement for applying for a permanent resident card.
Proficiency in English is not a mandatory requirement when applying for a Green Card
Despite what official regulations indicate, the idea that English is essential for obtaining permanent residency has become established as a kind of immigration myth. This perception is fueled, in part, by confusion between two different processes: applying for a Green Card and the naturalization process.
While becoming a US citizen does require demonstrating basic English skills (with exceptions for age or disability), obtaining residency does not include this requirement.
Online forums, social media, and personal experiences often conflate the two processes, leading to misinformation. Additionally, the presence of English-language interviews during the application process—even though an interpreter is permitted—reinforces the false impression that language proficiency is mandatory.
The reality, according to USCIS, is that what really matters are family ties, qualified job offers, refugee or asylum status, or participation in special programs such as the diversity visa lottery.
You can bring a translator to your Green Card interview
One of the lesser-known—but extremely valuable—aspects of the Green Card application process is the possibility of attending the interview with an interpreter. The USCIS allows applicants who do not speak English to bring someone to translate for them throughout the meeting with immigration officials. This measure not only ensures that the process is fair, but also protects the applicant’s rights by ensuring that they understand each question and can respond clearly.
The interpreter must be of legal age, reliable, and capable of translating accurately. Although they do not need to be a certified professional, the USCIS warns that they cannot be a government official or a witness in the case. This flexibility demonstrates that immigration authorities prioritize understanding and transparency over language proficiency, reinforcing once again that language is not a barrier to obtaining permanent residency.
Although the path to a Green Card may seem complex, it is essential to separate fact from myth. Speaking English, far from being an exclusive requirement, is simply not part of the list of conditions for obtaining residency.