This report presents the findings of a California study on the demographic and educational characteristics and pre-enrollment language skills of over 265,000 newly legalized persons beginning legalization education programs. Data summarized about this population include immigration history, nationality, language background, age, distribution of sexes, previous education, native language and English literacy, and current enrollment in educational programs. Summary test score findings include the following: (1) most of the population scored below the minimum literacy level established for California; (2) more than 85% have not mastered basic listening and reading competencies needed for normal everyday functioning; (3) reading test scores were lower for females than males; (4) students over 35 had lower listening and reading scores than students under 35; (5) geographical differences were found in performance on both tests; (6) a greater proportion of students enrolled in community colleges scored at or above the minimum competency level than those enrolled in private nonprofit agencies or public adult schools; (7) those with more previous education were more likely to score at or above the minimum competency level, with the exception of special agricultural workers; and (8) very few scored at or above minimum competency on both the listening and reading tests. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)