http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/02/04/mauro-e-
mujica-english-as-official-language-us/?intcmp=obinsite
Newt Gingrich has said it is essential we have a common
language: English. Mitt Romney has said people need to learn
English to be successful. Rick Santorum has called learning
English the greatest gift his father and grandfather received as
immigrants. Ron Paul has agreed that at a national level, we
need one official language. Even President Obama has agreed that
immigrants should learn English.
With the 2012 Presidential election in full swing, the English
language has been an increasingly hot-button issue—and rightly
so. With less than a year until the next president of the United
States is chosen, the four Republican candidates have all said
they favor English as the official language of our nation’s
government.
Yet the Migration Policy Institute reports that between 1990 and
2010, the number of people who are limited English proficient
grew 80 percent—from just under 14 million in 1990 to more than
25 million in 2010. Limited English Proficient individuals now
weigh in at nine percent of the U.S. population. In a world
where English is the language of commerce, and a country where
English is the language of success, these rising numbers are
cause for concern. Now, more than ever, we need to enact a
policy that will provide immigrants with the best possible
opportunity to achieve the American dream. This means making
English the official language of our government.
As the Chairman of U.S. English, a group that lobbies for
preserving the unifying role of the English language in the
United States, I have heard every possible argument against
Official English. Yet, as an immigrant myself, I can speak to
its importance. I have seen firsthand the doors that open to
foreign newcomers as a result of learning the English language.
Life without English proficiency in the United States is a life
of low-skilled, low-paying jobs—on average, immigrants who speak
English earn two and a half times more than immigrants who do
not speak English. Knowledge of English leads to the realization
of the American Dream of increased economic opportunity and the
ability to become a more productive member of society. After
all, how can one fully appreciate all that America has to offer,
and how can one participate fully in the democratic process,
without a firm grasp of the English language?
Studies have shown that immigrants are slower to learn English
when they receive more native language support, such as the
translation of government forms and documents. No one can deny
the comfort that comes from receiving native language support
upon arriving in a new country. But with a majority of
immigrants coming to the U.S. to experience our freedom of
opportunity, their first goal should be adjusting to the
culture—and learning the language—that will allow them to attain
a better life here.
Official English removes the crutch of government translations
and encourages immigrants to assimilate and learn the language
of success in America. Private businesses and everyday
conversations would not be affected, and because Official
English only applies to government, citizens are free to speak
their language of choice as they go about their daily lives. In
fact, despite misconceptions to the contrary, Official English
does not discourage multilingualism. I believe that Americans
should be free to speak whichever language they choose. I myself
am fluent in four languages! But in order to fully live the
American way, all citizens must be able to speak English.
At a time when our country is so divided, Official English is
the one thing that can serve as our common denominator. The
movement is not about protecting the English language, but
rather about preserving our national unity and allowing us to
remain a unified country rather than a divided one. As we
continue to move closer to electing our next President, let us
remember to consider each candidate’s position on Official
English. Is our next president willing to ensure the best
opportunity for immigrants while ensuring our national unity?
Several candidates have committed. For more information on the
Official English movement, as well as candidates’ positions on
the issue, visit
www.usenglish.org.
Mauro E. Mujica is the CEO of U.S. English, Inc.