English Language a Critical Factor in Assimilation, Witnesses Tell House Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Witnesses testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Education Reform today promoted the English language as a key factor in legal immigrants’ ability to assimilate into American society, while questioning an executive order signed by former President Clinton that provided immigrants the ability to communicate with the federal government in any language they choose – and at taxpayer expense.  The executive order was reaffirmed by immigration legislation backed by the U.S. Senate in May.  The hearing is one in a series being held by the Education & the Workforce Committee and its subcommittees on illegal immigration and its impact on American students and workers.

“The issue of making English the official language of the United States has long been controversial,” said Subcommittee Chairman Mike Castle (R-DE).  “The last time this committee and the Congress discussed the issue by itself was in the 104th Congress.  Now, due to the steady growth of new immigrant populations within U.S. borders, whose primary language is other than English, the discussion and issues of language diversity have once again brought attention to this public policy debate.”

The hearing took a broad look at varying perspectives on making English the official language, with witnesses offering testimony on both sides of the issue.  Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) raised concerns about provisions of recently-passed Senate immigration legislation that may serve to undermine, rather than promote, the English language.

The first amendment adopted by the Senate would have made English the national language and required those applying for citizenship to be proficient in English and learn American history.  However, another amendment followed, deeming English a “common and unifying language” and reaffirming President Clinton’s Executive Order 13166, which guaranteed immigrants’ rights to communicate with the federal government in any language they choose, at taxpayer expense.

“Because of these dueling Senate amendments, uncertainty ruled the day – both then and now,” noted McKeon.  "I’m pleased our Committee has been able to start taking steps toward sorting this out, because the issue is too important to leave open to interpretation and ongoing questions.”

Mauro Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc., echoed McKeon’s concerns in his testimony to the subcommittee, focusing specifically on the Senate bill’s reaffirmation of the Clinton executive order.

“In a country whose residents speak 322 languages, multilingual government must be the exception, not the rule,” noted Mujica.  “Unfortunately, instead of promoting English learning, government agencies increasingly seek to cater to immigrants in as many languages as possible. The result is that I – a 42 year resident of the United States – can walk into virtually any government office and demand services in my native language, and I’ll receive them, no questions asked.”

Paul McKinley, an Iowa state senator, and supporter of an Iowa law making English the official language, detailed for the Committee the reaction to and reasons behind that legislation.

“When [the English as the official language bill] was debated, some predicted dire consequences,” said McKinley.  “However, their predictions did not materialize.  Their main objection was that making English our official language would somehow be seen as not welcoming legal immigrants.  This is absolutely false.  The best way to welcome legal immigrants and help them through their naturalization process is to help them learn English.  Common language is the glue that binds a society and an economy.  Without English, they are strangers.  With English, they are able to communicate, join the community, and work their way up the economic ladder.”

The subcommittee also heard from Art Ellison, the Administrator of the Bureau of Adult Education for the New Hampshire Department of Education.  He described for the subcommittee the importance of English literacy skills to success both in school and at work.

“If America is to remain competitive, attention must be given to the English literacy skills of our nation’s immigrants and the skills of native-born adults in the workforce today,” Ellison.  “We must ensure that each and every member of the workforce has skills they need to succeed in today’s highly technological workforce.  In short, English literacy is critical to obtaining and maintaining jobs and creating opportunities for advanced education and training in order to qualify for jobs with family-sustaining incomes.  For the family to support their children’s learning, maintain their health, manage their finances, and provide a supportive structure for the family, English literacy skills are critical.”

Today’s hearing marked the second in an Education & the Workforce series of hearings on immigration issues impacting American workers and students.  The next hearing – on illegal immigration and employment verification enforcement – will be held by the Employer-Employee Relations Subcommittee next Monday in Plano, Texas.