ProEnglish backgrounders

“History has blessed [the U.S.] with all the freedom and advantages of multiculturalism. But it has also blessed us, because of the accident of our origins, with a linguistic unity that brings a critically needed cohesion to a nation as diverse, multiracial and multiethnic as America. Why gratuitously throw away that priceless asset?” – Charles Krauthammer, Time Magazine, June 4, 2006

Common sense exceptions include: protecting public health & safety, protecting the rights of criminal defendants, teaching foreign languages, promoting trade and tourism etc.

The poll was virtually identical to a March, 2006 Zogby International survey that found 84 percent of likely voters favor making English the official language.


Action Urge Congress to defend English Model official English statute Donate Current Legislation State Profile Issues Official English Bilingual Education English on the Job Citizenship and Immigration Bilingual Ballots Puerto Rican Statehood Ending E.O. 13166, the "Multilingual Mandate" Contact us: 1601 N. Kent St. Suite 1100 Arlington, VA 22209 ph: (703) 816-8821		Ten Reasons to make English the official language of your State “History has blessed [the U.S.] with all the freedom and advantages of multiculturalism. But it has also blessed us, because of the accident of our origins, with a linguistic unity that brings a critically needed cohesion to a nation as diverse, multiracial and multiethnic as America. Why gratuitously throw away that priceless asset?” – Charles Krauthammer, Time Magazine, June 4, 2006 To specify that although state government is permitted to use other languages for common sense reasons, to be legally binding and authoritative e.g. “official,” it must act or communicate in the English language. To clarify that if there is a conflict in meaning between state government laws, regulations, or pronouncements communicated in more than one language, the English version is the authoritative one. To clarify that unless the state provides for it in law, no one has an entitlement or right to state government services or documents in a language other than English. To protect employment rights and assure equal treatment for a state’s English-speaking citizens. To recognize the fact that the day-to-day default language of all fifty state governments, their legislatures, courts, and executive branches, is the English language. To join the great majority of the states (30) that already have made English their official language. To respond to the desire of the American people, 85 percent of whom favor making English the official language, according to a June 2006 Rasmussen Reports survey. To avoid the costs, burdens, and conflicts that afflict societies divided by language. To provide incentives for immigrants to learn English so they can assimilate, earn higher wages and pursue the American dream like generations of immigrants before them. To recognize that while the people of the United States value and respect diversity, they also want to preserve English as their common language, and their ‘Melting Pot’ heritage as a nation. Common sense exceptions include: protecting public health & safety, protecting the rights of criminal defendants, teaching foreign languages, promoting trade and tourism etc. The poll was virtually identical to a March, 2006 Zogby International survey that found 84 percent of likely voters favor making English the official language.